blarney?
Blarney my sweet fanny adams!
It's public opinion that will drive people to submit to their TDs (what we in Ireland call our MPs) that "these lefty gobshytes should be fired" (not my words, but those of some I've heard). It will be public opinion that supports the Minister for Transport when he removes your "right to strike". It will be public opinion that will decide whether the strikers will get support or nasty looks from those that know them!
This is as true for unions, as it is for any politician or manager.
"ask yourself, before you act, "What is it that I ignore?"
For it is always that which you ignore, that will be your downfall."
(As for "blue flu", in Ireland we've had our own.)