A re-ballot after a new offer was made shortly after an overtime ban commenced and hours before the first of a series of strikes was due to take place has highlighted differences of opinion in the way this dispute is being prosecuted.
Whilst the new offer is not hugely different from previous offers, it does break some new and important ground, and it does deserve to be put to members in a vote. Hardliners, though, think it represents a sell-out and a lack of leadership.
As a consequence there seems to be some division on the acceptability of the offer but with the ballot due to close on Thursday 26 September, all will soon be revealed.
It is no secret that in the event of the offer being rejected, industrial action will re-commence in earnest with the likelihood of new talks being some way down a very rocky road and a very difficult journey in the meantime.
