I heard that in NZ when the pilots at AIR NEW ZEALAND let slip to the media during pay negotiations that a number of their pilots were on Special Assistance payments from the government in order to make ends meet, the company was that embarrassed they backed down.
I wonder if any pilots in Australia can access something similar?
here's a link that might help
http://myaccount.centrelink.gov.au/w...5odG0!#7_0_7OQ