WasCrew. Mr Walsh has no need to take any precipitive action.
Tactically, he doesn't want to give UNITE/BASSA any fig-leaf to hide behind by issuing new contracts under SOSR. All he needs do is keep the profit making side of the operation going with those who don't strike, volunteers and soon a host of temps. This way, we makes good on his pledge to operate 100% or long haul, most of the short haul and 100% of flights from Gatwick and City.
In doing this, he keeps faith with his customers and builds confidence in future bookings with the airline. By sidelining the strikers he also keeps faith with those cabin crew members loyal to BA. This would provide good
PR for BA. UNITE/BASSA, straved of the oxygen of confrontation have no where to go.
Those who strike this time around will probably be de-rostered for the duration of the strike period losing out on flying allowances etc. BA would have to fork out basic pay but the airline can claim with justification the needs of its customers come first and these employees cannot be relied upon to turn up when rostered for flight. Afterall, UNITE/BASSA's words regarding the taking of guerilla action will come back to haunt them. Many of those striking are "hobby-jobbers" on reduced contracts so the overall cost would be reduced commensurately.
On another issue. It interests me to see the basis upon which UNITE/BASSA intend to strike this time - partly, because the airline used other staff to keep the flights going whilst Union members were breaking their contracts to strike. Is it really the case that the union feel their members can withdraw their labour with impunity, and their employer is not allowed to protect itself by taking emergency measure to keep flights in the air and serve its customers? I doubt that argument will garner much support in the current economic climate.