BA cabin crew are "the face of the airline", they are the "best in the world", they are not plate layers, they are trained to fight fires, save lives, heavens one of them is even "in charge".
They have elevated themselves to a position so high they couldn't possibly climb down.
Old contract crew take home more than some First Officers, that just proves how important they are.
Yes
WE know it's all rubbish but they actually believe all this stuff, some will fight to the death to keep all they have.
It's worked after every crisis there has ever been, it may even work again, who knows.