Blank-EFIS
There are a number of aspects to your post that need correcting. The birth of 'BA Cityflyer' may have occured during the break up of BACON, however, this is not of course when the transfer occured of the RJ100s (and 16 aircraft's worth of pilot jobs) from mainline to BACX.
This was in the period immediately post 11 sep 01, and they joined another subsidiary airline (BAR) flying from BHX and MAN.
It was BA management THEN that saw a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to conduct a wholesale transfer of mainline jobs to a low cost (low wage) subsidiary! (is this sounding familiar?)
Once that happened (and please bear in mind what perilous state the airlines were ALL in at that time) the deed was largely done, and a 'scrap' ensued over who would 'fly' the aircraft that represented a VERY significant expansion to this BA franchise.
There is no doubt that all on this side of the fence wanted those aircraft flown by pilots on the BA seniority list.
Why the hell wouldn't we?
I know a deal WAS offered to incorporate the RJ100 into our 'scope' agreement covering 100 seat jets!, which would have seen all the subsidiary's RJ pilots on the master seniority list.
This offer was not acceptable to your union, because it excluded E145, and Dash8 pilots. (aircraft with less than 100 seats)
British Airways were extremely happy to see this offer fail (clear blue water between BACON pilots and BA pilots - no 'contamination')
Of course the operation has now morphed, and is unrecognisable from the original concept!
You need to be aware that NO BA pilot is happy with the idea that your (BA) work is being flown by pilots not on the master seniority list.
Yes I agree. It may have taken many at LHR longer to see, than those of us more closely associated, but in a sense, that's no great crime!
The most important thing you need to be aware of is this. Come 2010, the current deal allowing the RJ100 to operate outside of 'scope' comes to an end. At that time, if BA Cityflyer wishes to continue flying RJ100s, the entire operation reverts to mainline. That means you get a BA seniority number.
The question you need to ask yourself is this; If balpa fail in the weeks ahead, the union will effectively be broken. If that happened, what do you think we could do for you in 2010 'when' BA renege on their agreement?
That would result in further attacks on ALL our T&Cs.
If we fail, it will directly, and rapidly affect YOUR future.
Better hope we prevail, eh?