BA strike: Do we need a third man?

To pack, or not to pack, that is the question.  Unfortunately, we no further forward with the answer. 

There is the odd meeting happening.  Unite have mobilised their cousins in far away countries and BA, giving a lesson in ‘how not to do it’, have upped the ante with the threat to sack union officials involved with the strike.

Meanwhile:

Gordon Brown and Lord Mandelson will plead with British Airways and the Unite union over the next 24 hours to return to the negotiating table so the cabin crew strike due to start on Saturday can be called off.

In a two-pronged approach, the Prime Minister will hold private talks with the union's leadership, while Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary, will speak to BA management. Two "go-betweens" will press both sides to make a last-minute effort to avert the industrial action: Brendan Barber, the TUC general secretary, and the conciliation service Acas.

All good stuff and no doubt, just in case they are needed, the beer and sandwiches are being prepared.  But, haven't we forgotten someone?

There has to be case of using the skills of Alan Johnson to solve this dispute.  Johnson is well versed in the little ways of the unions, is a good negotiator and may bring a fresh approach to the table as both sides become increasingly entrenched.

Our esteemed chairman of the AJ4PM committee has expressed some concerns of late about AJ’s performance.  Johnson could redeem himself and prove beyond doubt why he, and not Brown, should be sitting in Downing Street.