And don't forget that one of the main reasons we are amongst the highest paid in the world is because of the current state of the Aussie dollar.
Only a few years ago, places like Emirates , Singapore, Malaysian, etc , were all paying up to 40% more than Qantas, all because of the currency exchange. And if the Aussie dollar falls in six months time, then so will the reason of Aussies being the highest paid in the world.
This is probably one reason Qantas feels that it has to push this wage dispute right now, because in 6 to 12 months from now, the Aussie dollar will be back down around 70 odd US Cents, and if they win, Qantas staff wages and costs will be significantly lower than present.
Geoffrey, do you have a work email or telephone contact, as you don't seem to have any point of contact when googled?