Airlines are doing OK at the minute. For the last 3 years we've had various "excuses", som real - 9/11, Iraq war, fuel prices.
This year most airlines in the UK are doing OK and this is the time that the pilots need to claw back on their terms and conditions.
In the next couple of years we may see a recession and airlines will be clawing T&Cs back in their direction.
If we don't act now then the future will see even further reductions and degradations of both pay and conditions.
BA is at the top of the chain and if they offered a great deal to new joiners then those airlines lower down the chain would have to pay more to retain people as well.
So I fully support BA pilots in trying to improve their lot.
As for BA's current deal for new joiners, it is SO not worth it! The money is a big cut for many FOs and although the allowances make up for it, you are working more hours than most charter airlines, have a crap pension and the time to command is also a big minus point for many.
Other than new young FOs who are right at the bottom of the seniority lists at other companies, who are they hoping to attract?