Unfortunately when the British public see headlines like "Virgin pilots to strike over fatigue concerns" they start to switch off. It is the same as the rail unions striking over 'safety concerns'.... They don't really give a toss about safety as they can stop the train whenever a safety need arises. They are striking about members losing their jobs as the world changes. We no longer need train guards when tickets are checked at the barriers and no longer need ticket offices when 90%+ are purchased online. If an emergency arises onboard the train will continue to the next station where it can be dealt with accordingly. The British public recognise completely that the world is changing and unions are resisting that change. Unions need to recognise that banging the 'Safety' drum in the media in order to scare and influence public opinion is a strategy that has long since outlived it's usefulness.
Unfortunately airliners cannot just pull-over when the pilots can no longer stay awake.
I do recall a while ago that Virgin pilots were negotiating lifestyle improvements with their employer. The goal was to reduce time away from home by reducing slip-time downroute. When that means 5 trips a month instead of 4 it rather defeats the benefit to lifestyle. Whatever you give to an employer.... They will take it... And still come back for more. An ambitious manager who is only going to be in post for 2 years has no care for the consequences of his actions. Short term gains that trigger his bonus are his only concern.