At the time I was doing my CPL theory training and an Ansett capt was teachung us.
The main issue was The job security concerns over the de-regulation of the industry, and the prospect that salaries may drop as a result of this. There was also same safety concerns they had as well.
But as usual the press got their side of it and made the pilots out to be greedy pigs or wanting an increase of thier allready huge salaries
The sad thing poeple in this country are stupid enough to believe what the press say!
But at the end of the day, it ws a poorly handled dispute by the union that was meant to protect its members, and alot of good poeple either lost their careers or had them severly hurt.
I hope that helps you and I am suprised that your question has not attracted more hot headed responses then what I have seen
