I've just been perusing the main thread and I'm very impressed with your arguments and commitment in recent posts MissM.
Many union reps have moved into management having displayed their leadership skills within the union. In 'taking the company shilling' it is not necessary to lose your general beliefs/politics, in fact management needs to have differing views in order to arrive at the best solution. (I suspect we would agree that BA needs to improve areas of management).
I believe once this dispute is over you should consider using your skills either as a rep for your fellow union members, or take a step to improve BA management by joining it.
'Red' Knee.