DeThirdDefect
I can't speak for everybody but there are always exceptions. Surely there are probably some VCC who perform better than certain regular CC but they are definitely in the minority. I know that I'm very good at my job. I have a very good service record and would undoubtedly beat every VCC in every aspect onboard.
Tiramisu
We were striking over the principle of imposition and not actually the fact that crewing levels were decreased.
Colonel White
Are cabin crew not needed? Try departing a full 747 without any cabin crew onboard and you will see what happens. I gather you would get a personal visit from CAA.
BA is a premium airline. Customers pay a lot of money to fly with us and they do so for many reasons. We offer a good service (not as good as it used to be) onboard. Who deliver it? That would be us in the cabin. Customers tend to have high expectations, both on the service itself but also on us.