Correct me if I'm wrong (duck from incoming...) but
As I understand it, the union have said that if the pay deal is not in place by beginning of 2004 (never has been in place less than six months after supposed introduction date in my personal experience but I suppose if miracles are going to happen it's the right season) then the AAVA agreement will lapse and not be renewed on 1st Jan. This will leave about 3 of us in TC left manning the radars while everyone else trots off to Bournemouth to be 'Easted', not an awful lot at NERC, and who knows how many elsewhere.
As the pay would have to be voted on by national postal ballot, let's say 25 days presuming everyone is extremely organised and reindeers aplenty are available to do extra deliveries for the good old post office, that leaves about 7 days for someone to come up with an acceptable offer and get the ball rolling, all presuming everyone and everything works over Christmas bank holidays.
Call me sceptical, but I don't really see it all happening...