Hmmm, yes it's surprising how much pressure can be put on you to make the flight happen.
When you're on your own with a load of trainers/crewing telling you to fly or else, it's hard to think of who your union rep. is let alone how to contact them. Not that I have a lot of time for the unions.
And if you do insist on your "rights" (are you really, really sure it is a legal right?) you just know your roster is going to be vile for the forseeable future - completely coincidental of course!
Fair enough, you gotta be company minded at times but there is a limit. It's just not clear where that limit is.
Only way to hit back safely is to make sure the 'phone is well off the hook before and immediately after standbys. No early callouts here! (yes I know, even that backfires on occasion)
So whats the solution? Clearly defined rules and limits I guess that everyone knows about and can demonstrate (once thats sorted out a quick calendat type computer program could easily show whose done what, what limits are being approached etc. etc. - I wonder why the airlines don't ahve such a beast? Naive aren't I?)