Reality bites
The reality of the current economic times is that it allows the unscrupulous to prosper on the backs of the employees of an organisation, much like John Howard using the terrorist threat to justify wastage on airline security, when all we have to worry about are drunks and druggies.
A profitable airline like REX should be able to reward those who have had a hand in achieving a good result, just as Virgin has had to tighten it's belt in the face of a poor one (share price 24.5c, as opposed to REX with a share price of 90c). The singaporean model is one that relegates personnel to the same level as an inanimate asset, more of a time wasting nuisance in many cases, but if you look around at the other singaporean dominated industries, the same situation is evident. The only saving grace is the astute financial planning that make these businesses successful.
If you want to be employed in a business that is inclusive in it's management, then steer clear of the above model, and jump ship, otherwise be prepared to fight for reasonable conditions, but also be mindful of the company's financial standing when negotiating a fair (to all parties) EBA. Companies actually made profits during the last recessions, there is no reason why REX can't do the same, but it may take a bit of inclusiveness - don't hold your breath ! Ultimately, it won't be a salary increase that drives an airline under! Nuf said.....