Unfortunately the attitude and opinions given by Realworld are shared by airline management and that is, "If you don't like it then leave because there's plenty of people waiting to step into your shoes". In fact easyJet's Chief Executive was once alleged to have stated that he could find new cabin crew by going down to Tesco. (It was never clear if he meant the store's staff or customers).
As repulsive as this attitude is it is true that there are people out there who would be prepared to do your job for worse T&Cs than what you currently have. You only have to look at the "strikebusters" recruitment list one airline is (again alleged) to have - wannabe crew who are willing to step into the breach if the existing crew striked! To describe these people as 'scabs' is being kind... OK so attrition would increase and the service offered wouldn't be as good but the management wouldn't care as long as they were saving a few quid and at the end of the day many passengers complain about the service they receive but very few will actually vote with their feet as long as the price is right (Ryanair are living proof of that).
The airlines know they can get cheaper labour and hope that by holding out to your demands they will break you...it's up to you not to allow that to happen and too also remember that a union is only as strong as it's members!!!