Captcloudbuster, The contract hasnt expired but is shortly due for renewal. One wouldnt be surprised if it wasnt handed off to another agency (Qantas owned and yet to be established no doubt). As far as I know cobham pilots dont wear QF uniforms tho im sure that will change too. Apparently most of the 717s have now been purchased outright by QF and in a practical sense there is only group of 200+guys endorsed on the machine to operate them.
Pay is difficult to judge, sure it would be x amount less than 737 pay, but isint that less than 747 pay? Apples and Oranges argument really.
Change is no doubt on way, and hopefully for the better.