Imagine you were running a huge multi billion dollar business that was very profitable. One day after years of 'cordial' relations and many discussions a union comes along ands asks for one big thing (let's call it all pilots on one seniority list) or else they'll ballot their members to strike.
In defence of the BA pilots, that is a gross mis-representation of the situation isn't it?
BA decided it (effectively) wanted to outsource BA pilots jobs....having seen how successful Jetstar and American Eagle have been at doing the same.
BA pilots in conjuction with BALPA said (perhaps 'endeavoured to say' is a more accurate statement) "Errr....'No!'."
What were BALPA supposed to do?
That is a pure, unmitigated threat. As a negotiator you have no place to go to meet halfway. Whichever way you cut it one side wins and one side loses.
Whilst I agree with many of your principled arguments, the jaded workforce knows that the reality is their management play hard and fast with the cash flow that they earn for them....a £350 million fine here, an expensive botched Terminal 5 launch there....
Still, perceived management incompetence doesn't change the economic reality...just leaves a bitter taste in your mouth...
However, I would like to know whether, when in discussions, BA
did say they would concede to putting OS pilots on the master seniority list if BA pilots would concede some of their more "expensive" T&C's?
Because OS pilots on their own T&C's for the duration of their "OS freeze" with a right to subsequent employment on Mainline T&C's doesn't save BA a great deal does it...if we're honest...