“Professor, the "free market" does not exist.”
The “free market” is like “capitalism”, a fantastic ideal but generally non-existent.
There are no examples of a completely free labor market in Australia, or any western nation for that matter. I use the term “free” to describe the labor markets relative position.
In the case of cockpit crew in JQ, the market is virtually unhindered by industrial barriers relative to an airline such as QF. Direct entry commands, ease of relocation, offshore basing, Greenfield conditions – just a few examples of what can be achieved following the removal of artificial barriers created by organized labor.
But you are correct; the market is not completely free of impediments - although opening up employment positions in Australia to foreign applicants would be a step in this direction.
“The onus is on you to prove that it does”
How much input did JQ pilots have to the salary and conditions of the SIN operation?