eagle21
BA cabin crew would prefer to shut down the airline rather than give up, why? Because they don't have much to loose, specially the newer ones( a majority).
Actually, they have their jobs to lose. As the recession really bites in 2009, you may expect that people will start to think twice about going on strike.
What makes BA? It's pilots, crew , ground staff and little more.
From one perspective that may be true but, in fact, it is the majority shareholders and the main board. They set policy to achieve certain financial targets. If those targets are not met, then shareholders may withdraw, then the company share price falls and - if it continues - they become a take over target.
Merge or die? Larger groups will usually draw larger financial backing to weather out the storms of recession and strikes.
Naturally, no one can guess if they will succeed in reducing costs and improving their image but I expect that, when the end does come for BA, it's financial collapse will be frighteningly sudden - within months. I do not expect that for another couple of years and it may be avoided. So, perhaps: Reduce costs, Merge or Die.