Back in 99... That's a rather long time from there and now.
Here's a hypothetical: management says to QLink, 'boys and girls, because QF and JQ are too expensive you guys will operate the new domestic aircraft to replace the 738s and 320s.'
Now, how are QLink blokes to react? We would be scum of the earth (which to be honest is how we're viewed by our mainline colleagues now) if we accepted on terms lower than what QF and JQ are fighting for. But if we said 'no, mainline should operate them because that's how a pilot
should be paid.' QF blokes would just carry on, the battle won and the QLink blokes are left to viewed as the illegitimate back door sprog that just rocks up to events when it suits the family.
In honesty, we would probably accept less conditions. Why? Because there is no incentive to say get screwed. If we had an avenue of progression, the young guns would want to maintain those fantastic conditions (and not accept anything less if offered) because they hope to eventually enjoy those said conditions by virtue of progression.
VA has set the precedent - time for QF to step up to the plate too.
Fuel -Off
