Why are your 'managers' so intransigent when it comes to this early/late issue? On rostering software it can be resolved with the click of a mouse. Or are they using the issue to gain leverage from you on some other matter? Having read the preceding posts it doesn't look as if you have too much to give away, in any case.
I would agree with Knee Trembler; you need to get yourselves organised and not succumb to the 'glad I've got a job' mentality that the management encourages and thrives upon. There have been several very successful 'walk-outs' by pilots during this recession; just look at your german colleagues. If a flotation is in the offing, then French has far more to lose than you.