Would those in the know please enlighten me how this might be so ?
There are two types of Staff Travel. Staff, and their families (kids up to age 24) or nominated travel partner can obtain standby tickes at staff fares (ID90). Depending on length of service they can also travel for free (ID100) either once or twice a year.
Staff can also buy 'Hotline' tickets for friends and family (no age or relationship restrictions). Hotline fares are firm commercial tickets sold at discounted prices. BA makes money on Hotline fares as the amount of discount relates to the booked load on that flight and the possibility of selling the seats elsewhere.
The ability to book Hotline fares has not been removed from the strikers.