It is sweet irony watching the Qantas process. Flight Operations long ago surrendered any control of process. The uniform policy a HR overreach and the recruitment process another example of how far down Flight Operations is..HR are confronting pilots about their lack of adherence to the uniform policy. If management had any control this would be stopped, but the CP on down is silent. Pilots aren't 'brand ambassadors' as T-Shirt Todd might see it, the brand was safety and always will be. Pilots take that responsibility every time they work, but to HR that is not what is taught in textbooks so the clipboards and interrogations continue!
That distinct lack of foresight has delicious irony. Demographics are killing them.
The 737 contract at Qantas is I am told, a product of 1989. It is not bad when compared to GA but possesses only one advantage on a like for like comparison with reputable airlines. Even JB at Virgin said the difference in pilot total cost is very small, thus the only real advantage left for Qantas; Living in Australia.
Qantas will continue to need crew.
It will be interesting to see the if the Asian carriers decide a great commuting contract may be the thing that fill their pilot seats..
As the Asian carriers struggle to fill their seats, the Middle Eastern states have trouble with theirs, Qantas has a problem and they know it. Caught short of crew after years of brand and staff bashing, and focusing all their venture capital on Red Q, JQ to the world and other follies, there is simply no fat left as Alan wandered down roads of ego bereft of returns...
Now caught short of crew, pilots finds themselves tired and given the career path of a Qantas pilot in the lost decade, most lack the motivation to even care. Sorry but chummy emails don't cut it.