BA management are pathetic. They ruin holiday plans for thousands by their shambolic mis-management of t5, have a certain manager running away from the press when t5 was falling apart, a ceo who says, don't worry give me a year and you'll love t5, what more do you expect!
In years to come, BA management and their style will be the focus of many a case study on 'how not to run a business' and 'de-motivate staff beyond recognition'. Of course the best one will be 'just left school, think you're hard, how you too can become CEO of an airline'
While we're on the subject, what do the non-executive directors actually do? Why do we have pilot managers? Why do BA not recruit 'proven managers' from large organisations with a 'proven' track record of managing.
Finally, when will the financial institutions finally realise WW hasn't a clue about the concept of management or leadership.
In answer to your question, diversionary tactics to get the heat off them, because t5 is still a shambles, so spinning the news away from that is what's needed. Trying to intimidate balpa and financially weaken the union, to a level where by it's existence is purley symbolic. To try and maintain power by an apparent show of strength, when in reality their grip on power is slowly fading away.