In a competitive market, the employees will be paid no more than what the market determines is suitable.
This "market forces" mantra sounds more and more like an excuse for mediocrity. Considering that the Aviation market both in Oz and globally are largely manipulated by various governments, ownership groups and management execs; There will ALWAYS be a market excuse for low employee wages & poor conditions. Just as there will always be an excuse for high executive bonuses, etc.
The only answer is strong unions working together with a long term view of gaining real improvement for its constituency.
"Market forces" be damned. As it stands Vaus is making a profit; so there is no good reason for conditions to not improve. But only as long as the employee groups stay smart & work together.
