I don't doubt that BASSA are negotiating, it is, however, that alarmist information that 'leaks' from fortress BASSA that causes problems.
Surely it cannot be healthy for any union to scaremonger its members before negotiating a position that 'alleviates their fears'? An honest upfront appraisal of what's on the table followed by a members poll of what can reasonably be accepted and what cannot would form a far more stable negotiating base.
How many briefing details have BASSA passed on to their members or organised for member attendance? How are BASSA, apart from a slightly slanted website, passing vital information to their members whilst attempting to show both sides of the negotiation from unbiased perspectives?
Communication is key here. BALPA and BA have run meetings with, amongst others, WW, Keith Williams, Stephen Riley and Al Bridger for the last few weeks, will BASSA be doing the same?
I think that is where you will find the difference of opinion as to the severity of this little economic downturn comes from. Forewarned is forearmed and any decision taken on bad advice is, generally, a bad one.