Well, BA hasn't given a pay rise since 2008 (in fact, there was a c.5% pay cut in 2009). BALPA would like RPI this year but, realistically, won't get that.
Airlines - like every other company - have always been primarily about making money. Their chosen means of doing that is to fly people and cargo around. Loyal passengers and happy employees don't guarantee a profit.
I suspect that the good times for us in the West and in our industry specifically will never roll again. We shall spend the rest of our careers fighting a rearguard action to maintain what pay and conditions we have left. Talk of large RPI+ pay rises or going on strike is just bluster for the bar. Intelligent unions that know when and in which areas to give and take are our best bet.