Thank you very much Ottergirl for trhe first emotion free, sensible response I have seen on this topic.
As ground staff, we have had exactly the same responses - management not turning up fotr meetings, flat refusal to negotiate or listen to any alternative proposals etc. The only time any progress was made was when Willie Walsh entered the terminal and held a staff forum when it became crystal clear that he didn't know what had been discussed between unions and management - he shook hands on a deal to achieve 80% of our managers' "shopping list" and that is where our current trials of working harder with less have come from. If we can achieve the 80% of cost-savings our union reps have promised, then he has said that our Terms and Conditions will be left alone.
Maybe, just maybe, if WW could have been persuaded to hire Sandown Park for an open and candid Crew Forum, things could have turned out differently for you guys!
I really feel for you because I know from working with you over the years that you are all good people!
Once again, thank you for your open and honest reply to my question. The sad fact is that, with a less hard-nosed management style, the company's objectives may well have been achieved without all this trouble!