There was a vote, it was based on an overall package as slim20 stated.
I didn't agree with it but that's democracy for you! The argument went that we'd all be Captains in a very short time and therefore we'd gain the loyalty bonus back. This was a very short sighted argument in my opinion as at some point the rate of commands has to slow which it now has.
In effect SFO/FO's who were on it are taking a 5% paycut as grandfather rights are finishing this year.
However there is a way to stop the loyalty bonus going for Captains and that's by joining BALPA and sticking together
However on this issue I could entirely understand the FO's giving two fingers to the Captains in regard to saving their Loyalty bonus.
But the only people responsible for losing it will be you the non members. By having decent membership we could tell them to stuff it and reinstitute the FO bonus.....
BALPA is the only show in town so maybe the devil you know is better than the devil you don't. I get my 1% back each year in pay rises and more, so will stick with them.