Most of the more senior people I know couldn't give a rats about going to London. Some of them have stated how they have been there 100 times in their first few years, and the newer shorter trips suit them more after years of doing longer trips. Just have a look at the different people going back to Singapore and Bangkok as mentioned above. A more proportionate amount of senior people on most crews compared to a few months ago.
Perhaps people should consider who the union really represents. Is it the more junior workers, or the more highly senior people who always seem less affected by these changes. To say the union was forced into this whole concept is a load of crap. They accepted it and conned the membership into voting for it. Do something constructive with your anger and let them know as well.
What is the latest with New York now? What is the view of the union on this?