It is difficult for an association like EUFALDA to make a stand. As mentioned before, everybody obviously realizes the need to have a pilot and F/A's on aboard (even the need for the afore mentioned crew bus driver appears logical), but have you had this issue before that you had to explain what you'd actually do as a dispatcher?
I had many times and most people just don't know about this profession (due lack of public relations). For the public here in Europe (it appears slightly different in the U.S.) everything flight related is taken care from the cockpit and anything else by passenger service - nothing between.
What would happen if dispatcher threatened with industrial action? Well, we all know that ultimately the airline would come to a stand-still, but would the public? Most definately not!
Now take an association like EUFALDA. How on earth are you expecting them to lobby for a profession that is not required in the eyes of the average traveller? I certainly do agree that there is a lack of public relations. But awareness is something that has to be created and (especially here in Europe) cannot be taken for granted. Let's emerge out of the shade and step into the light. Once news articles run stories like I have seen them in the U.S. ('Dispatcher saves flight by advising crew of lighting at destination'), it will be easier for EUFALDA or whatever the dispatcher union might be called than.
Cheers
fcit