Having read many posts I have read with intrigue as to what is happening - i was once BA crew at the "Golden Runway" that is LHR. I used to be amazed at how much i would earn for what i thought was very little work...i loved the job but i saw things were changing and decided to jump before it got too bad. I used to commute fro a few months from Auckland and the service with BA was sometimes disgusting - very short, rude crew who would rush just to get to the bunks. It was sometimes an embarrassment - people have a choice and i for one have found crews better with other airlines who o seem to care. Now there are great crew with BA who are up there with other airlines. However, any business has to compete and at the moment they are suffering and saying that you would rather see the company go bust than change terms and conditions is just ridiculous. Now i know that some of the statements from Mr Walsh may be over exaggerated but with PWC looking at the accounts for the pilots and leading to the pilots making a deal would suggest that the company does need to change. I have read that there is some "clever accounting" being done to reflect a huge loss - rubbish. All accounts are audited and an auditor has to review the accounts and agree that thery are a true reflection of the position of the company. BA is answerable to it's shareholders and will back the board to make changes - that is a fact.
As for BASSA - i left bassa following the last 96.1% strike threat...what was achieved? nothing - they blinked and backed down - why not negotiate before it is too late. I have many good friends that have a lot to lose and would hate to see them suffer - i really would but the stance and the propoganda that BASSA produce does not give people the chance to make an informed decision...unions have their place but BASSA has been weekened and i am afraid are in for a shock. At the moment BA could afford to have a strike - people have mortgages, credit card and bills to pay - how long will they be on the picket line? maybe a mass bout of sickness or swine flu with a few days at home!! I would support the union whole heartedly if it was a legitimate fight but what will the argument be - we will see. Good luck to all of those out there that may suffer - i hope the unions back down and if not other airlines will be rubbing their hands to pick up the pieces.
As for GPM's i remember many a CSD and Purser on short haul cherry picking the good ones and binning the others.
I will leave my long post but i will await for some to pick it to pieces and wait for the "you don't know what you're talking about" routine.