"British Airways has to compete with a number of airlines in the EU, which would never be allowed to go bust by their governments....Italy, France, Greece, Spain.
Why should their employees enjoy secure employment and better T&C's than those offered by British carriers"
Because, perhaps sadly, perhaps otherwise, UK plc has adopted the American way of doing business rather than the European Socialist way. I'm not saying that's right, but that's the way we do it.
As for BALPA blinking..the reps saw the Company figures. Look on the bright side - if BA is still around in two years in it's current form with your T&Cs untouched then you'll be able to afford to buy me a beer if we meet downroute.........