I don't know much about the VS situation but I would like to respond to the comment about "Lilly livered" TUI pilots. Here at Thomson Airways, we were offered a strings attached RPI rise. This went to ballot and was rejected 2:1. The union sat down and talked with the management and the pay offer was accepted, minus strings.
This is how union, employer relations should work. It doesn't have to be confrontational. VS obviously don't have this luxury.
So, Lilly livered or grown up, mature and professional? You decide.
Hope VS agree to everyones satisfaction asap.