Jetscabster (Great username by the way, very appropriate!)
Whilst you are mostly correct in what you say, those percentage increases were on top of a salary significantly higher than the relative Jetstar salary, (i.e. B737 v. A320). I am not talking about what a JQ pilot CAN make by working his arse off and getting lots of overtime, I'm talking about base salary here.
That's what this all about...bridging the gap between the two parties so that neither can be played off against each other. It's a WIN-WIN situation for all concerned.
TL