Please don't compare shearers to pilot's. The Kiwi shearers did NOT undermine the Oz conditions, they actually enhanced them. They had a better tool of trade and taught us how to use them. The ozzies now make MORE money a day/Year as a result of the introduction of some of the Kiwi methodologies.
Kiwi pilot's can not at this stage make the same claim. I am interested to hear from the Kiwi's as to what they think an appropriate wage is for operating a B737.
TIS you mentioned Southwest. SW pay their pilot's a very good wage. They have not taken a backward step like the one the Kiwi's are accepting. I am very much in favour of the Kiwi's having a robust industry but that does not have to come at the cost of wages. Driving pilot wages down is nothing other than a pathetic attempt by disgruntled bean counters very jealous of our profession. Ask ANy accountant in the airline business what they think of pilots. They deplore our existance! Do date we have not been smart/resolute enough to counter their argument. WHEN the first 737 with a hopelessly undertrained crew finally loses a hull, things will begin to turn.