You've hit the nail on the head SliverSlueth.
I fear that your comment is a sad, but true statement that no amount of industrial action will make go away.
Elsewhere in the world, really committed employees have faced similar circumstances and chosen to meet the challenge by sacrificing salary to become majority shareholders.
Any such action is no doubt quiet risky. Nonetheless, the overall difference between Qantas and Jetstar employment costs would be more than enough to mount an employee lead takeover.
Personally I would have no problem sacrificing 15% of my salary for equity that would ultimately give the Qantas Employee Group the opportunity to chart a new course.
But hey! That’s only me and unless just about all pilots and engineers miraculously came to share my view- it just isn’t going to happen.