Hypothetical for you spannersatcx: aircraft diverts to and lands at an airport where there are no lames, at all - can that airplane depart without the Tech Log being signed by a mechanic? According to you - no. According to me - yes!
The pic is legally responsible for the overall safety of the aircraft, and its occupants - hence should he decide it is safe to depart, WITHOUT the aircraft being "signed off" by a lame (even if one IS available) he IS permitted to do so. Of course he must be able to justify his decision, should it come under scrutiny.
Tin@ass this thread wouldn't have gone the distance it has so far, without the various opinions being offered. I appreciate hearing from most of them, as they allow each of us to interchange our thoughts, and perhaps add some extra dimensions to our views. I happen to believe it should the right for those who desire it, to be represented in their employment conditions by whomever they choose - whether that is the individual, a solicitor, or a representative body...ie. a UNION. Employers present prospective employees with a professionally written, legally prepared document, usually involving penalties if those terms and conditions are not adhered to. If there is a disagreement, the employer will not hesitate to use a legal professional to extract, from the employee, the said penalty.
Why should an employee be denied the same right when dealing with his employer?