Joyce is worried about the traction that the unions, particularly AIPA have gained with the public so far.
To negate this they are attempting to create a diversion from the theme of "Qantas pilots for Qantas aircraft" to "Qantas unions are unproductive and overpaid".
The dodgy mathematics they use to suggest that A380 captains are paid more per hour than he is will stand because:
1. No journalist is fully briefed on the contract or the circumstances that have contributed to why the average A380 Capt probably is only flying 480 hours a year at the moment; and
2. AIPA must stay on message and not allow itself to be suckered in to making this into a pay dispute.
My advice is to let it go. Think of it as yet another example of Qantas managements cynicism and contempt towards it's employees and the public.
Turn the anger into resolve. These announcements are carefully timed. AIPA is finishing up the conciliation talks in FWA this week. My bet is that no progress has been made and shortly pilots will be asked to do more than wear colorful ties and make PA's.
Qantas knows this, hence the rhetoric directed at the employees currently making the least dent in the bottom line.