Gaza, I have no doubt that BA have far too many staff overall. The company's financial situation is still laughable, (owing 3 times it's value in debt etc.) cost are still too high, yields too low etc etc.
My problem with how the F/E's are being treated is one of respect, whilst an offer to change to CC may be legal, it is in reality a slap in the face.
Are we all so down-trodden in this industry that we feel that this is acceptable behaviour? I sincerely hope not, but having read the replies so far......
In answer as to what I feel BA should offer these chaps. Simple, offer them a series of respectful options, pensions, career changes within the business (not necessarily to pilot). What sort of message does this send out to all BA troops if the most highly thought of group of empolyees are being treated shabbily, what hope does everyone else have?
Finally, just because this is the "real world" doesn't excuse companies/people from treating other folk correctly. It is always the cry of the terminally unimaginative "get real" means nobody can be bothered to find a proper solution to any issues.