Six Sixty,
It's not about FlyBe backing down to public perception, it's about crews on strike not backing down.
Industrial action is our weapon against the company,
PR is one of their weapons in return.
Acas are the middle man, if they are used what they decide must be accepted by both parties. If there decision is that our latest offer was too generous and they feel it should be reduced, we will have to accept their reduced offer !
Not going to Acas has the perception of us not wishing to pursue all avenues to resolve the problem.
Please don't take my word for all this...... talk to your CC.