I agree that we could and should have been in a very different situation right now, but I don't really see what more we (as individuals) could have done. Unfortunately the rot is with the Union officials who should have explored all possible options, should have negotiated and should have consulted with the membership at every opportunity. Instead they have made rash decisions on our behalf (paycut, pay freeze, etc), refused to watch slideshows, refused to be in the same room with the other side of the same union (?) blah blah blah. We cannot be responsible for their behaviour.
The majority of crew are happy to work harder, so actually one crew member could have come off months ago. Yet here we are now looking New Fleet in the face, which could effectively put most of us out of work. That is a huge worry, especially since we have always been prepared to do our bit. It should never have got to this stage.
In this the final hour now, our Union need to show masses of decorum and professionalism, and do everything to negotiate some kind of settlement that will protect our jobs in the future. Whether they have the skill or even the good sense required to do that, remains to be seen.
Last edited by HiFlyer14; 14th Oct 2009 at 12:39.