On ST I’ll add, as a trade unionist, that I don't particularly like the idea of “consequences” being levied at potential strikers, it does just feel wrong on a fair few levels.
However, trying to see it from the companies view point, I do fully understand that it feels equally wrong to continue to provide such a perk (which it is) to staff that attempted to damage the company.
Had it have been me I think I would have stopped short of using the “permanent” word, to at least give me some wriggle room post IA. I would have then at least had options, no ST for 12-24 months, restrict to one route, no family, whatever....
As it is now I really don't see it coming back, not via any legal challenge and not via union pressure – I would suggest it’s gone for at least as Mr Walsh is in the top seat, thereafter, who knows?