Balpa - and I'm actually totally agnostic on their value, so not trying to knock them - have done NOTHING to date to stop this....indeed it seems from the outside that instead of improving things, they've only been steadily degrading to this point, where a temp contract on a P(massively over the top)TF basis is the deal available.
Why is this? In theory Balpa represents all of us, at least those who are members. In a way, Balpa is us. To take unionism to its fundamental simplicity, it is a mechanism to strengthen the individual who may be exploited by their employer, and the strength comes from democratic collectivism. Collectively the union should therefore be going through a process of discussion, negotiation and then action, if that is the will of the membership. Before action, the membership must be balloted.
Is any of this happening and at what point did it stop and why? Or is that too naive and simplistic?
I fear the answer may lie somewhere here:
We're all too wrapped up for now arguing the relative merits of Little Rich Kids vs honest 'ard workin' coal dust-blackened-faced ex-airtaxi pilots.