SighMN: they are a couple of wonderful pro union/ Government opinion pieces you have penned today. Just one question, where is the evidence to back up your claims?

If we are to follow your point of view then;
1. The Unions behaviour at the AGM was reasonable, even though every motion presented by the board was passed with 96+% support
2. That the employees of the three unions out of was it 14? that have not been able to reach agreement with Qantas represent a poor minority
3. That Clifford and the board are experts in Australian Industrial Relations law
4. That is reasonable for an employee to take industrial action but unreasonable for an employer to do the same
5. That the three unions are small powerless organisations who entered into negotiations fairly and in good spirit against a much larger hostile adversary
6. That Qantas could have made a successful application to FWA for termination, rather than suspension of industrial action without grounding the fleet due to employee lockout
7. That for an airline who is uncompetitive and loosing market share that labour costs are irrelevant

I would be very interested in seeing facts, rather than opinion to support this, otherwise I think the Unions involve stink just as much as Qantas on this issue and that is coming from someone who is not covered by an award, has never been able to draw on union assistance and has been illegally terminated without compensation twice. If I am big enough and ugly enough to stand up for myself then I am sure a long haul pilot or engineer or ground handling staff who earns between 50 to 200% more than I do should be more than capable of finding alternative employment on fair terms.