Perhaps BA have reached a point in their manpower plan whereby they NEED to reduce 'heads' on the current fleets?
As more routes move to Mixed Fleet in Jan, Feb and March there will be a need to reduce the current manpower levels on EF and WW. (wasn't it the plan to have offered part-time to everyone who wanted it by March 2011?)
As some one already mentioned, I'm not sure that BA are able to offer part-time to those still in the Union whilst it is still in dispute with the company...collective bargaining rights etc?
It certainly will rattle a few cages though!
Just a thought....