Some fair points Kinetic. My problem is more with people who refuse to join BALPA/IALPA/REPA and hope the whole problem will go away without it affecting them. I can't understand how people feel that unless an issue directly affects them, there's no need to offer even silent support (which is what joining a union is). I'm not suggesting at all that people are going to put their heads above the parapet and get it chopped off. What I am saying is that their is no excuse for not joining the union - the more members the more muscle. Sympathy isn't good enough, a showing a willingness to stand together and fight is.
The I'm all right Jack, it won't affect me attitude is short-sighted and ultimately counter-productive. What has "direct negotiation" done to improve T&C's?? On the other hand, a strong union hasn't done too badly at keeping things at least tolerable at many many other companies.
Make no mistake, if FR win this one, it's time to find a new career.