ONB said " I would like to see some form of representation for all flight crew and not just the pilots."
ONB - they already have this. Their union is called Amicus and does a good job of representing it's members. Many of the more senior cabin crew are members and I have often seen them trying to sign up the newer ones too. Unfortunately some of them suffer from one problem - too apathetic. Having watched one senior try and convince a new hostie to sign up, having explained all the benefits she'd get for £8, was told - "well I can't afford that can I!"
BA is a prime example of how a strong cabin crew can get what they want. I think the pilots at GSM have enough to work for already. However, yes in an ideal world. Also of course Ops staff should also be licensed and unionised too.
TD claims to know what he is doing. Whether he does, or he is allowing himself to be led by the nose by others, the results as you have said, are very obvious.
When I arrived in EDI nearly 2 years ago to join the company, even the taxi driver told me what a good firm they were. I doubt he'd say that now.
I think a lot of people have a misconception about what BALPA, or any union actually do. You obviously don't know that you now get tax relief on your BALPA subs, so it really only costs a third.
What you need to do is phone them up and tell them to come to MAN and GLA to give a presentation, as they did my last firm. At the end of the meeting we'd convinced everyone who wasn't in, to join up for a trial period. As far as I know, none of those people quit.
But as long as people find an excuse not to join or do anything unilaterally, nothing will change.