This is a disaster for BA, with the large pension deficit announced on the same day, they could be heading for up to a £1B loss this year.
One thing I would like a current "independant" union employment lawyer to answer is the situation re an official strike. I few years ago when I was involved in these matters, yes strikers could be dismissed immediately but it had to be collectively and the company were NOT allowed to remploy replacements for 90 days, If this is still the case then this might make all concerned get round the negotiating table.