Who knows, maybe Jetstar envisage these guys working full time??
Roughly speaking, for every 100 full time pilot they can have 150 part timers. Fast forward a couple of years when new aircraft start arriving (787s). The Jetstar model is so successful they couldn't possibly give back the A330s to Qf.
Says J* management- "So are you j* guys interested in flying full time?" "Hell yes!", is what I think will be the answer. Well then its done- a nice shiny fleet consisting of A320, A330 and now B787s with a cheap pilot workforce ready to go with no new hires and only retraining onto Boeing required for the lucky few.
Now over to Qf mainline. Current situation- As yet no 787 payscales has been discussed at the negotiating table as it's arrival "is years away". Plus job security clauses are a no no.
Says Qf management "Well sorry guys- there's no job security clause to speak of and all your long service leave and other strategies to deal with the pilot surplus has been exhausted. So its 90 hr flexi lines or another round of redundancies. What's your pick?"
Please tell me I have an over active imagination!