I personally called Chris (union leader - now CP) during the changeover from AWAS to AWOPS then Jetconnect to advise him of the dramatic reduction in terms and conditions that was being forced through by the new management (total cuts in the order of 40% - in net worth). I made him aware of my personal concern that this may well be the "thin edge of the wedge" and that he and the union should be very concerned that this Qantas flying (albeit by contractors) was being "sold" for such poor terms and conditions. To be totally honest I was looking for some sort of assistance for the "troops" on the issue who had no union protection.
His response to me (which was not in confidence - and I feel can be repeated here) was that the union didn't really care and that they did not regard the flying as "theirs". I suggested that this may well be short sighted. IMHO it indeed was.