KH - I'm not sure that the word you used - "ceremonial" covers the ground correctly. However, it is nice to come across someone in this thread who knows something of how TUs work.
Two points - 1. Have you talked to a GMB National FTO in the recent past? The strictures within the GMB have become much more controlling of their FTOs in the last 3 years. There is much more "control". All this stuff from about 4 years ago about "The campaigning Union" has become merely words. 2. The T & G part of Unite have also re-centralised much of their decision making. (When they are not fighting their brothers from the rest of Unite). Both the (old) Exec members and the National FTOs are very wary of actions which could result in them losing too much money. Like it or not, money is key to them now.
The impact on the lhr CC is a much more careful and technical approach, which BA will watch very carefully.
Also, other readers should note that it's not just WW that's changed at BA. The old-regime core HR team has changed aswell.