I can see both points of view. In my opinion, if Walsh had a deal on the table that could stop this he is foolish to take it off the table while the airline is dying a death. The union, and members, were daft to go straight to strike action while the deal was there. Both sides need their heads banging together, but I must say it seems to me that Walsh is being the most pig-headed.
I don't know about the different pay in different airports, and equality in gender pay is a whole different argument.
I am annoyed at your perception of unions bullying their members into strike action. It is the members who vote for it (thinking for themselves when they cast their vote).