Another point to note is that we are apparently gaining "a lot of goodwill" which will stand us in good stead for the 2004 pay round. Fine, but it's a fair bet that when the 2004 pay round starts the first gambit will still be: "Thanks very much for your flexibility with the early starts in the summer, but we much regret there is still no money in the pot, so better luck next time!"
I must add my vote in favour of the open way in which the local reps have briefed us this time, as opposed to some previous votes where the piece of paper was put in front of you with no idea at how it was reached.
Whether we like it or not, there is a demand to have more sectors open at 0630 than we can manage under the present system, and management CAN AND WILL roster us to meet that demand. Better that we vote in a system which gives us the best options for us than have one imposed upon us.