...If Qantas is in such “Dire Straits” then let it go to “where monies for nothing and chicks are free” !

"baggage handlers, who are on as much as $85 grand a year".

And the evidence for that overblown claim is where rehctub?

And the rise they sought was what, 70% a year perchance?

And they were offered what, a mere 60%, or was it more around the 3% level?

I saw an interview with the wife of a baggage handler who says her husband earned $20 an hour, about what a 20 year old shoppo might earn, as in fact one of my children does, flogging phones.

A miserable enough stipend for a single person but hardly sufficient to house, clothe and feed 2.4 children these days.

Particularly when inflation is at or higher than the pay 'rise' on offer.

Blue Cross,
We are in a new world now.
Our GDP is being eaten by the cost of energy.
So everyone will be worse off from now on.
We are no different to the Americans and the Greeks.

Coal and oil are at high prices, not peak prices but quite high.
It will not get better.

A good reason not to have airlines any longer Bazz.

Let us all return to the days of yore, taking the grand old 'all red route' back home to the mighty Albion by tea clipper.

Just think, Rudd would never been seen again, as he sets off into the sunset on his gruelling world jaunts.

See, there's a silver lining even in peak oil!

I think the antics of Qantas are quite interesting to say the least.
It does set a new precedent for IR in this country.
I believe Allan Joyce was given the orders by the board-get it resolved or find another job.
Other employers will probably use this practice to full advantage in future disputes.
The only other lockout I can remember,was in 1928 when coal owners locked out their workforce.In the Northern coalfields of NSW resulting in much hardship and poverty for those involved and the eventual death of a young miner,shot by police at Rothbury.
I think in a year all Qantas aircraft will be flown out of Australia and brands and icons of the airline will no longer exist.With the sacking of all staff viz-a-vi Ansett.

http://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Job=Baggage_Handler_

Try this link.