It is also a slightly different situation from the Openskies issue. At that time BA were taking advantage of a change in legislation (i.e. Openskies) to launch a new airline. Yes the fundamental issues were alike - safeguarding terms and conditions.
It is quite clear today however that the airline and industry is in dire trouble and everyone across the board has to accept some changes in order to safeguard our future as a company. This is not just a change of policy for the sake of it. It is a shame that a deal could not be worked out and the impact of changes in some way controlled.