Why would Ms. Fencesitter join an organisation forever excusing their lack of balls based on the fact they don't represent enough people and need more membership to be taken seriously?
Maybe the union should consider bargaining on behalf of
its members only and see what they can muster up for their membership base in regards to a new set of working conditions and allow the company to do what it pleases with the rest of the crew.
I am quite certain that Virgin Blue management would welcome a proposal of this nature as it would still represent a substantial cost-saving across 50% of its cabin crew as the union would not oppose the company's application to terminate our current agreement for non-union members.
It could be a win-win solution as the union is essentially the only thorn in the company's side when it comes to terminating our current agreement. If they don't oppose the application and fight for cabin crew, who will?
Unless, of course, there are some high-flying non-union law-types working covertly as cabin crew that are waiting for the opportunity to represent non-union members during these hearings and negotiations.