Well of course it is a difficult situation now. As Walter says, there is not much sympathy for lesser mortals in the senior 744 crew. These guys by and large have had the Rolls Royce run of a career. No major dramas and if they were a cadet even had their training paid for by QF. They were in the right place at the right time. Half their luck.
Since 89 the strength and position of the professional pilot in Australia has been almost completely eroded to the level of beggar and the companies have been able to capitalise on this union weakness to get what they want.
Pre the magic year the Australian Airlines negotiation would probably have gone thus.
Company: We want to set up a low cost operation.
Union: Ok, we will tell you what we will accept.
Company: OK
Roll forward to now..
Company: We are setting up a low cost operation and this is the deal. Take it or leave it.
Union: OK, we'll take it.
So whats the answer? I don't know. We are our own worst enemy.The wannabes will work for zip, in the event of industrial action scabs breed like flies, the employers are the new militants and within each company the pilots are divided along party lines.
Time for a beer!