Just brought a Biz class ticket to Toronto and they want...wait for it........another £120!!!!! to choose my seat at time of booking
That's fairly common practice these days. You need to be silver or gold to avoid the fee. Alternatively, why bother on such a short route. There'll be plenty of choice 24 hours before departure.
At least the way the strike is crumbling you can sleep safe in the knowledge that the flights will operate.