I mentioned this on the engineers thread. Going on strike actually assists Qantas in their turnaround strategy. It gives them reason to ground old, expensive aircraft and then replace that flying with new efficient Jetstar aircraft.
Shutting down long haul ops if Pilots go on strike may seem like a radical approach or even a bluff, but they will do it if necessary and they will have the support of major shareholders. If QF are forced to bite the bullet and shutdown long haul ops, don’t expect it to start up again with the same group of Pilots, engineers and baggage handlers.
If Pilots go on strike, they can basically kiss their jobs goodbye just like 1989. If they don't go on strike, they just need to get busy accepting the fact that things need to change in LH and that change will inevitably result in some Pilot job losses from QF. If those who lose their jobs are willing to be flexible on pay and conditions, there will be plenty of rewarding work for them in other Qantas group airlines. If they are not willing to be flexible, there will be plenty of other takers hungry for those positions.
NP