spin doctor,
I am not doubting your post - the point being made here is that this ballot is obviously nothing more than consultative:
Trade unions sometimes hold ‘consultative’ or ‘indicative’ ballots asking members whether they might be prepared to take industrial action about a particular issue. Trade unions are free to hold these ballots in-line with their rules. However, the trade union will need to hold a further legal ballot if they wish to proceed with any industrial action.
There will be no strike over this ballot. BASSA/Unite might wave a result around after 14th December but it won't mean diddely squat (other than lost bookings ....). There is no reason given on the ballot for strike action. Whatever BASSA might think, they can't hold a strike just because they are feeling tired and emotional!
This ballot is largely posturing, but ultimately meaningless and ineffective.