What a refreshingly sensible post from RAD_ALT.
The fear mongering regarding joining AIPA is madness. To think that if JQ pilots joined AIPA that AIPA would suddenly have the power to direct aircraft towards mainline and away from JQ is utterly ridiculous.
Firstly, no union has any power to direct where the QF Group places A/C, despite what they may wish.
Secondly, even if AIPA did have this power surely they would be more inclined use it if JQ pilots were covered by a separate union.
If they choose to join AIPA, Jetstar pilots will have their representatives that look after their issues, just as short haul have their reps, 'A' pilots have their reps and the Flight Engineers have their reps (for now). This way no group of members, no matter how small, is ignored. The strength comes from knowing the company can't play one group off against the other.
Finally, if one looks only at the fact that the company is fighting tooth and nail to stop AIPA representing all Qantas Group pilots then it can only mean that we would all be stronger if this were to occur.