Great story, thanks for sharing that one. The smoking thing sounded strangely un-American for airline pilots but there are a few out there (compared to the multitudes elsewhere). (On a side note, the U.S. tobacco companies have been completely thrashed in their U.S. business, its really the rest of the world that now gives them their $$$. Sue their asses. But i digress...)
The answer is simple and difficult.
Organize. Many must become one.
Think like a business comprised of a mob, not a mob just giving the business. It is a business you are in, it is a business mind you should have. (...and not the communist mindset that N4641P appears to swing. Though he may have a very valid gripe about corrupt organizations.)