At the risk of repeating myself and others, this is all getting very ugly. Also, as a VS customer, very concerning for the future of the airline.
I don't see any hope of a deal before 9 Jan. It just seems that too many people are taking too much glee in the prospect of a strike, rather than an amicable pay deal (I know plenty of you will deny this, but take a read of this thread and honestly tell me it's not true).