Sorry if I upset a few here. I am certainly not wealthy and need the money as much as anyone else, but rates will never rise while a few people cover shortfalls for relatively low rates. As far as the union is concerned, BALPA is pretty useless industrialy because of the law, which as I understand it requires an all or nothing attititude. Thus you have to be prepared to ultimatlely ballot for a strike, or do nothing at all. Last time I recall anything positive being achieved it was an individual ringing around who organised a stop on days off, while BALPA simply said it could do nothing. Do not get me wrong, I have sympathy with BALPA's position, but also without some organisation, a few greedy individuals will work a day off for almost nothing.
I am simply trying to point out that if you wish to stop people working days off you must make them aware that the majority are against their actions, and embarrass tham into stopping, if you do not there will allways be someone prepared to do it.