It is my understanding that the union may not accept an offer that was voted against by its' members. I would therefore suspect that some element of it has changed..
Vs_lhr yes if the offer is acceptable to all then this is the next step. I presume that is what this commitment to "consultative structure" by both parties is all about.
Crew input must be available as mentioned before and union reps must have time to digest that input, not trying to squeeze it between their hectic rosters, they need a proper amount of days per month to address issues, new ones and back logs.
Any talks/negotiations between unite & VA must be with reps from all sides and management and their gang to ensure that what is being proposed is what the crew have communicated, none of this 2 blokes in a room stuff. Most other airline has open negotiations.