Not sure whether the travelling public would be greatly sympathetic to the cause ShotOne. The general perception of pilots is one of highly paid salaries, luxuriating on far flung shores and a well regulated (albeit demanding) work environment. Trying to get sympathy from someone on £12,000 p.a. isn't going to be easy when they think that you are on 6 or 7 times that amount. (please note this is my comment on the publics perception, not reality).
I wouldn't hold out for much support from the elected MPs / MEPs either. Firstly they probably hold the same pre-conceptions about pilots lifestyles as Joe Public. Secondly there is a strong political will that the EU Parliament is seen to be an effective tool (sic) in European politics. Most MEP s (and MPs) would be reluctant to jeapardise that impression.