Most pilots in the company know about this, but since they do not have en employment contract, BALPA says they can't/won't help them. You can do your own math as to whether or not they will join BALPA if they get employment in a good airline somewhere.
The current management are very envious of Pikey and do their utmost to emulate his designs. Google Roland Berger report and you will see where they're trying to take us. As for safety: That means nothing to them! They have done a cost/benefit analysis and come to the conclusion that it can be ignored a fair bit - all in the name of cost saving.
A showdown is about to happen. Either the greedy, soulless managers get fended off (not without receiving a large cash pile from the company) or the reality of an orange harp is here. Interesting times indeed.