JP what do you propose? The pilots go and talk and talk and talk again. Have more meetings perhaps. Or maybe agree on things that are subsequently rescinded by management. The current discussions have been ongoing for years. Management has put out its stall by the tack they have taken in regards to Belfast. This is a major change in stance for them. Never before have they been so aggressive. At some point you have to draw a line in the sand and unfortunately for management the only thing that will bring them to the bargaining table is the threat of a strike. This is the only thing that will hit them in their wallets.
Or perhaps you will be happy to buy your own type rating and fly out of Belfast. Maybe you would be happy to be moved to another base after a year or be told that your terms and conditions are subject to change without notice? Maybe you would like to work for an airline full of transients. You know the sort of airline where people come in for a few years, build their hours, take whatever deal management are willing to offer them and then move onto something "better". Maybe you don't care about the prospects of being in command when management will get someone in who is willing to fly for half the price. They might be able to even get a waiver so they don't need a JAA licence.
Problem is where is this better airline that you will hope to move onto in a few years? You tell me.