Both BASSA and BA management have always been totally useless at 'negotiating' anything.
Just to clear up one common mis-conception here.
Box payments, overtime, crew rest periods etc are NOT included in this.
The only changes that BA can 'impose' on us are 'consultative' matters. In other words, those terms/conditions/structures/perks that we have or enjoy, but do not actually form part of our contract of employment. Attendance management process, shuttle buses, number of pursers on board etc etc. BA are meant to consult with the union on these issues but can impose changes. Of course the union can retaliate by announcing industrial action (which they are likely to do at midday on sunday).
Our other terms and conditions, such as allowences and those contained within out agreements (mbts, bunk rest periods etc) are contractual agreements that BA cannot impose changes to.
The only way these can be changed is with the consent of the employees.
Just thought i'd pass the above info on as I spoke to an IR lawyer yesterday for clarification as I was getting worried about all this talks of losing thousands cos we were going on the hourly rate and it would be imposed and blah blah blah.