Why could they not have conducted telephone polling of the membership by an independent company ( as some other unions have done ) to establish the needs and wants of their membership before embarking on their 'negotiations'.
Answer: Because they only care about THEMSELVES.
And as if to confirm, those going to Sandown are advised:
You MUST bring your ID with you or you will not be allowed into the meeting room. This measure is being taken as we wish to avoid sensitive parts of the meeting being reported by the media in an inappropriate, uncontrolled manner.
I think that means "truthfully".