Keeperboy
The problem facing BA at the moment is for the very reasons you state.This isn't the Company it was and if it wants to survive,change is required,regardless of what plans people may have made. Ruthless CEO's and accountants with their own interests at heart ( big bonuses if we make target) have turned Aviation on it's head and if Airlines are to survive these low cost threats,they need to change and adapt. British Airways is stuggling to break away from restrictive working practises that,as you say, have been around now for many years.The pilots,although still well paid in comparison to other UK Airlines,have made concessions to change and adapt.The Cabin Crew,however,along with other departments in the Company,appear to be entrenched in their determination to hold onto their golden contracts.
Although you shouldn't be putting your hands up, I do think that BASSA may be your own worst enemy. If people don't start opening their eyes and moving with the times,you'll all be hanging up those new uniforms for good and that is probably why The Pilots are getting pissed off.....it's their job too that goes down the pan.