Discussed on NO2ID:
NO2ID :: View topic - BALPA TUC motion passed against National Identity Scheme
Quote:
>>Generalising on the basis of a modest knowledge of UK pilots and an even more modest knowledge of BALPA:
1. BALPA and its members wouldn't get into this fight if they didn't feel they had to.
2. They wouldn't get into it if they didn't believe they could win.
3. If they back down, it will be because they have been bought off. It's hard to see what the government could do to buy them off.
4. If they don't back down, the government will have to back down. Another defeat in IPS's unbroken record of defeats. (Good job IPS don't run an airline.)
5. When IPS were trounced by the banks and the major retailers, there was no crowing. There was no benefit to the banks and the retailers to be gained by crowing. The situation could be different with BALPA. They have an interest in making it clear to their members, loudly and in public, that BALPA will always strongly defend them.
6. The TUC has the same interest in making it clear to its members and everyone else that they are powerful. Demonstrating their power in the cause of everyone's civil liberties, not just their members', could be universally attractive. Which would make IPS look universally unattractive. Which they are ...
7. ... because my God, if ever there was a natural constituency for ID cards, it's airline pilots, and if IPS can't convince airline pilots that ID cards are a good idea, they can't convince anyone.
8. IPS's defeat by BALPA will strengthen the hand of the NUJ and UCU, who have also had a motion carried, and strengthen the hand of the NUS, whose members are next on the ID card roster after non-EEA nationals and airside workers ...<<