My opinion is based on media and FT posts. I have no insider knowledge!

I think BALPA have played a sensible game so far. They have tried to be fair, giving more than the 14 days notice so that BA can avoid the compensation claims. And how have BA responded? It appears that they are stonewalling and refusing to negotiate any further.

So BALPA now either back down which is unlikely giving BA's intransigence. I also figure that compared to cabin crew, most pilots can accept some extra unpaid leave. So if BA are prepared to accept a speculated £120 million cost to achieve nothing, BALPA need to raise the ante. BA / IAG are not in a weak financial position and they clearly have a "war chest". How investor confidence responds to this may be the golden egg. Share options are a lucrative reward for most executives - knocking the share price will have an immediate impact on the senior team at BA / IAG.

Finally, whatever BALPA decide do after their next announcement is subject to how BA respond. Announce the erroneously reported 10-day mega strike may be the straw that brings BA back to the table with an acceptable offer. Do this with 14 days and 10 minutes notice means BA face a speculated £400 million cost plus EU compensation for almost 1.5 million passengers. That would get their attention and if not the negotiating team, definitely the shareholders. Both sides need to offer the other side an exit that retains a certain level of victory.

But then with WW and AC, who knows what planet they are getting their strategy from. Captain Edward Smith remains the last captain of the Titanic. Is that how WW wants his Wikipedia to page to read - went down with his ship?

As someone with two affected flights in the current strike period, I say power to the pilots!