As one who was peripherally involved at the time, it is my recollection that the walk out was not as a result of threats either real or implied. It was more a petulant dummy spit by Messrs. Westwood and Cant, who (not without cause) had had a gutful of sitting through arguments about Domestic matters, and felt that the Qantas pilots could do better for themselves, by themselves.
The split had a significant influence on the future direction of the AFAP, as from that, the concept of pilot councils, operating under the umbrella organisation, evolved. That structure exists to this day. That structure has allowed individual pilot groups to pursue their own interests whilst having the backing and resources of the organisation.
As to the question of whether or not the AFAP has had any significant wins, consider that post WW2 pilots had no representation. From that evolved the AFAP, and through that organisation Australian pilots domestic and international sat fairly high in the rankings of salary and conditions. Within the IRC, the government, at the instigation of the AFAP, recognising the unique and specific conditions of the industry, appointed a dedicated commissioner the Flight Crew Officers Industrial Tribunal. From that Tribunal came the framework of pay and conditions that put Australian pilots in a strong and healthy condition. Then came that scumbag Hawke.
But the advances achieved by the AFAP are not just in the area of terms and conditions. The AFAP has always been active within the technical area. Many who read this forum may be unaware of the contributions, made by AFAP volunteers, to the regulatory structure and safety of our industry not just in Australia but worldwide. AFAP members have been involved at all levels up to and including ICAO panels, in setting the standards that have led to the safety standards our industry now enjoys. At a local level AFAP had representation, access, and input to all significant legislative and safety related matters. AFAP opinion was actively sought, on most matters relating to aviation. Then came that scumbag Hawke.
AFAP had the foresight to set-up the AAP MBF, an organisation that is run by pilots for pilots, to ensure the welfare of its members. The success and reputation of the AAPMBF is such that organisations across the world have sought assistance from AAP MBF, in the design and management of funds for other pilot bodies. Through astute control and management that organisation has grown to a substantial Fund that controls a bit short of $100 million of members funds and assets. Despite multiple attempts, by commercial entities, to compete AAP MBF is, by way of it's overall cost and it’s portability, as yet unassailed in its benefits.
Unfortunately we see here on this forum a few of the aggrieved. Those whose expectations of the AFAP, outstripped the reality or the result that they considered, or could expect as, their due.
The organisation was never intended to fight for those who are not prepared to do the right thing. It was intended to ensure that those who have been wronged receive “due process”.
Given the diverse interests of the membership, the AFAP has an extremely difficult job trying to ensure everyone gets a fair shake. I for one believe they perform that task well in extremely difficult circumstances.