OMB,
First off BALPA costs 1% of your basic salary. However there is now tax relief on that 1%. If you're new to BALPA then membership is 0.5% for two years (I think). Perhaps someone could clarify how much tax relief is available.
Secondly you misunderstand me, I was not calling for militant action, far from it. As the easyJet CC have shown use all available resources to negotiate with your management, but carry a big stick.
We overwhelmingly rejected a crap pay deal and with a high percentage of membership stating via a secret ballot that they would strike if necessary we got a much much improved deal. It normally never comes to a strike. The threat is enough. No threat = being walked over.
For 1% less tax relief a year if BALPA can help their members to an improved pay deal that is more than 1% less tax relief I believe that 1% less tax as being well spent.
So far BALPA hasn't let me down.