A few facts -
It was the IPA, not BALPA that put their foot down over Americans flying BA freight. However, BALPA and the BA pilots are now seemingly quite content to let BA extend the wet lease of the Atlas 747 freighter for the third time running with no punitave actions on them; only on the European pilots at GSS, (see the CAAs airline licensing notices - BA's Atlas application in the system right now as it happens). There would be more sympathy if the very first contract with GSS had laid out that 2/3 of commands would be taken by secondees, but the disgraceful imposition of this after over 50 first officers had been recruited materially affected people to the tune of taking about £1000 per month out of their pockets and it totally changed the career progression structure they had joined for. This affects people; its not just a question of principles. Whats more, absolutely nothing was accorded to GSS pilots as recompense.
I think you are mistaken if you believe the only support you need is that of people who are willing to join you on a strike - The
PR impact of thousands of UK pilots who just think, "**** 'em" may be more significant than you think.