In what way is BALPA militant? From what I've seen (of our reps dealings with management) they are far from militant, unlike other unions within the company (starts with B ends with ASSA).
So have 25% of the Tri* skippers thrown in the towel, will check tomorrow.
Yes, 12 months is a biggy; outside or 12 months, one is not current and needs base training, something most companies will be looking to avoid I imagine.
Grass greener? Perhaps not, but at least the sand has a beach attached to it....