There has been minimal industrial action by unions involved. In fact the pilots have not gone on strike at all. The losses in revenue to date have been mostly avoidable by management. I believe there is an agenda by management to close down the Qantas brand in favour of Jetstar and/or other subsidiaries with a view to reducing overheads.
Saying you will go on strike so the flights are cancelled then pulling out at the last second is as good as going on strike. If labour was not in power right now the laws would of been changed to recognise this tactic a while ago.