In a competitive marketplace for jobs, I think striking should lead to sacking.

That would leave all the power in the employer's hands. I take your point about difficult decisions, and I like to believe the best of people - but it's a sad fact that if the workers don't have any leverage, some employers will take advantage. I have no idea whether this applies in BA's case. I'm not particularly impressed with either side - the union didn't dot its Is and cross it's Ts, and the company is using legal technicalities to thwart a pretty clear democratic decision.