From what I could gather, less than 4 of Solenta pilots are members of ALPA. As the battle would have been fought for the cause of all pilot's, and the fact that only members could be represented (needles to say), the exposure and risk to those who belonged to ALPA was quite great. Solenta Management would also, without a doubt, have severely victimised those who made their identities known. Maybe they would not have lost their jobs but they would surely have been penalised in various concocted ways.
I have spoken to some of my ex colleagues who are still with Solenta and from what they have said, ALPA's response to the matter was almost immediate. We commend ALPA for the swift response they initiated and the level of professionalism of the individuals working there. It is however amazing that there are so many professional pilots in South Africa who are still not members of ALPA. I believe they are the most reliable insurance any pilot can assign to his license and job security.