This does appear to be the case, Holley having stated as much on his 'feeling downhearted" blog, dated 13th February 2011:
Originally Posted by Holley
This is a different phase of the dispute that we are now in, it’s no longer about rushing into strike dates; it is all about sending a message..….You no longer need actual strikes to pressure the company - ballots can have the same effect, since they carry the threat of strikes. It would now appear that a simple, well-placed cross on the ballot paper removes some of the need to actually lose money and stand on picket lines.
. LATEST NEWS UPDATES