MACH082,
You are spot on. Keg is just like Senator X. Puffed up full of self importance. Scrambling for anything or any shred of happenstance that will support his cause or arguments. Senator X is merely of passing relevance. He is yet to make anything, just anything stick.
When are people especially pilots and Qantas pilots most of all, going to understand. Joyce did what he was permitted to do under FWA. If the unions, especially AIPA, didn't anticipate that he could or would then they are badly advised and badly miscalculated. He is entitled to ground the airline. If the board didn't like it, they'll sack him. If the shareholders didn't like it, they'll sack the board. If the union members who potentially were locked out didn't like it, then perhaps they'll now understand that their respective unions don't hold all the cards, by a long shot (slow bake, a year to get what we want, roll them at the AGM, I wouldn't buy tickets on Qantas before Christmas ..... are all words that come to mind). If the government didn't like it, it'll change the IR rules or exact revenge on Qantas. If the customers didn't like it they will fly with another airline next time BUT he can ground the airline if he chooses and if it is within the law and it is.
Furthermore FWA didn't put a hold on the PIA because some pilots were wearing red ties and making announcements that was of such piddling consequence. FWA did it because Qantas had grounded its fleet and that was of significance to the national interest. That was why the industrial action on BOTH sides was terminated. It is in the rules. That is exactly what he set out to do and more to the point said publicly that is what he set out to do. It is just the same in cricket when 10 batsmen are out or can't bat the innings is over...that's the rules.