BA could offer a lower deal than Ryanair and people would still be queuing around the block.
Due to its legacy T&Cs and seniority system, BA has virtually no turnover of staff other than pension/medical etc related. This is ultimately expensive, albeit there is still is a recognition of the importance of experience within BA.
The change in payscales in starting to address this, as the average cost of an EZY A320 pilot (esp. flexi) is far lower than a BA A320, and ultimately this can't continue.
Within BA, its Flight Ops department has always had a strong voice but the cost base is coming under increasing focus as it becomes increasingly hard to justify why the cost base is so different.