Hi HiFlyer
Good post.
And we , as pilots , are well aware that many - probably the vast majority - of crew are open-minded and intelligent individuals who are prepared to discuss the situation and gain as much information they possibly can.
Even if that means actually talking to pilots, or even, god forbid, asking their opinion.
2 problems:
firstly, there are some crew who simply won't discuss any details, but rely totally on galley fm, and Bassa flyers. They don't like to read small print.
secondly, there are the barrack room lawyer types who tend to instinctively hate pilots, management, and anyone else who they perceive as being "different" in some way. Sometimes these crewmembers even try to trap you by starting the conversation then sneering about Balpa in some way.
I also accept that some pilots have overstepped their rights in order to - as they would put it - brief or inform - their crews.
We know that much of what Bassa writes is limited in its accuracy and clearly they are manipulating their members into a terminal fight.
Maybe they genuinely believe that this is the best approach.
But is it?
Most crew could work a little harder for a a very small pay decrease.
Some changes to limits and disruption agreements would very rarely affect them, and would often benefit them ( eg. get home earlier after disruption; less standby).
But no. It always has to be war because the reps have to protect their position and pay and bidding.