Back to the thread topic re public and media perception, here's an article, from a business journalist as well, casting a somewhat skeptical eye over some of the current talk:
Qantas is pursuing a risky strategy
It is always hard to navigate the arguments being promoted by either side of any industrial dispute. In this instance, Qantas is pushing the case that the pilots are seeking wage rises that, while appearing reasonable - 2.5 per cent over three years - are the equivalent of a 26 per cent increase.
It is difficult to reconcile such a vast disparity, but Qantas puts it down to perks such as free travel. Maybe its boss, Alan Joyce, has a malfunctioning calculator.
In reality the Qantas mainline staff are not asking for much of an increase in wages - if any. They just want security around their current wages and conditions and for the new recruits operating under the Qantas brand. This requires the maintenance of a full-service Qantas operation.