But don't let the facts get in the way of a good story. You people should be fighting to keep work in Australia wether it is done in a QF facility or not.
The aircraft in the HM facilities atm are on a planned slow turn time due to the global financial crisis. This is the alternative to Qantas parking aircraft up against the fence. 72 or 85 days does not even come close to a realistic time for the 737 c checks.
By May 2008 the Qf HM facility operating one line had reduced the c check turn time to 19 days. Around the same time they celebrated 52 aircraft in succession being completed on schedule.
Don't assume the ALAEA aren't fighting to get work in Australia. We were over the moon to see the Embraer work being assigned to JH.
The QF Mel facility has proved itself to be the benchmark for many reasons. It has an extremely high ratio of LAMEs to AMEs because our union has fought over a long period of time to get training for our members and the younger kids as they come out of their time. The facility does not have a high staff turnover because they get fair wages and stable conditions.
If JH treats its staff with respect, trains to an appropriate level and employs some half decent managers I'm sure they could also pump them out in 19 days. At this stage it appears that they are more intent on spending their days ensuring that the AMWU and ALAEA can't get on to the base. A co-operative relationship will be beneficial for all parties.