CFC you have hit the nub of the problem on the head
3rd MBT on a transatlantic after a two week strike in 1971
Thats OK when the government of the day are picking up the tab, but 38years later restrictive practices like these have no place in a privately owned airline trying to compete on a global scale, with people that can do it better, quicker and for less money, your shinning example is why Cabin Crew now have a bulls eye on their back and Willie Walsh has a large bow and arrow