Just to put this one to bed:
I don't think there is any point in getting too excited about the PCCC. Even if you do not agree with BASSA, most people would want to join an effective union that will support them through disciplinaries and other problems. If the "union" is too biased in favour of the employer, then who would have any confidence in that association being able to fight your corner?
When you are in a disciplinary, it is not for BASSA (or any other representative) to "fight your corner".
They attend to ensure that the policy is followed and that a fair hearing is held. Managers are accompanied by colleagues from the people department to ensure the same.
BASSA do not represent you - they merely assist and advise - something that your own manager or a colleague could do equally well.
BASSA cannot influence or change the outcome of the disciplinary.
They use scaremongering tactics to lure crew into thinking that they NEED to be a member of a union... "in case you end up in a discip".
BASSA reps are not lawyers. A discip does not involve anything more than an interview with the employee, and the manager makes their decision based solely on the evidence presented and their own opinion.
The policy which covers discips is very clear and the process is clear cut.
It boils down to:
1. What is the allegation?
2. How do you respond?
3. Do the witness statements corroborate what you claim?
4. Is the allegation found?
5. If yes, what is the sanction?
BASSA cannot prevent you from being disciplined or even sacked, and in clear cut cases, they tend to advise the member to resign before they are dismissed. Or they might even use underhand tactics and advise you to go sick so that you can delay the inevitable and start seeking alternative employment, although this will not prevent the inevitable.
BASSA cannot prevent any of the process from occurring and cannot protect you from the consequences of something you may have done.
To protect yourself, all you need to do is keep your nose clean.
I think the DH case proves that beyond any doubt - if they can't protect one of their own, they certainly can't protect anyone else from the inevitable if they have committed a transgression of some kind.
The only crew who have guarantees around their future earnings and careers at BA are the very ones who are not members of the union, and who have signed the individual offer.
So, I disagree - whether in a discip, or in a collective bargaining situation, being a member of BASSA is less and less relevant and at the moment, and given the predicted outcome of this dispute, is IMHO worthless.