I'm quite clear on what I am "on about" thank you.
Have a private negotiation.
Call a private ballot
Get a majority ok to strike.
Privately state a date for a strike if you don't get movement with a deadline.
If the deadline is reached and no movement is gained then announce the strike to the public and get on with it and do it.
Quite simple.
What? You don't have a clue what you are on about! Have you any idea about strike laws for a start?! What you suggest is illegal for starters. The strike dates need to be announced in advance as does the ballot and result. It can't all be done in private.
And anyway, are you honestly saying you would have prefered this to remain secret and then Sunday night announced no trains on Monday and Tuesday rather than people having over a week to plan for it?!
They have had private negotiations but they failed.
A private ballot isn't legal or possible.
They got a majority to strike-a huge majority.
They can't privately set a strike date-they legally must inform the employer.
They announced the strike and got on with it. But as last minute talks were successful they called off action as it BENIFITS no one at all.
I'm not sure you have a clue what you are on about to be honest-you seem very confused by what has actually happened here and general industrial action legislation...