Re: BA pilots 'prepared to strike'
EditorASC, you've hit the nail on the head about seniority. I can't see why pilots are so wedded to this bizarre system, other than that they have swallowed the line that it is the only possible way to organise their lworking lives. As you suspect there is a hint of union self interest there, as being tied to an employer will usually lead to dissatisfaction at some point which in other professions can simply be solved by looking for a better job elsewhere, but in the airline context means a resort to union protection. Increased job mobility - the free market in jobs and services - is what powers our economy and leads to a better standard of living all round, as well as for individuals who want to change their circumstances, and I can't see flying being left out of the market for much longer. It is a special job, but essentially not that different from a number of others. Sure it would take some adjustment and some very good management, but it needs to come.