BALPA is by no means perfect. Firey makes some good points, especially in relation to the growth of self funded type ratings, even in companies with BALPA recognition.
However, I do feel that anything is better than nothing. So whilst BALPA as a whole could be better, if you have a good CC and decent collective bargaining agreement, you are whole heap better off than if you are all just individuals.
It's not rocket science to see this. There's no need for militancy or any stupid rabble rousing, but there is a need for respect from both the workforce and the company. Something that seems to be lacking hugely in the current Ryanair spat.
It's very sad really. Management teams and staff generally want the same thing. For a company to be sucessful as it's good for everyone.
Why there is a need for such violent infighting, I'll never understand. Frankly, it's just very, very stupid and both "sides" can take some blame in that.
Though some of the tactics I've seen used by the management team in Ryanair recently are nothing short of scandalous, despicable as well as being downright illegal.