The Head of People (Engagement Surveys) is telling one and all that the pilots won't take action as they don't trust the union.
This line of reasoning is TEN YEARS too late. Ten years ago perhaps not now. The pilots perceive that there is nothing to lose. They have seen any change of promotion disappear, not even the ability to take opportunities at j*. I cannot express the anger & hostility that these pilots feel, they will fight, they are not going to skulk away & waste the last 10 years of waiting & hoping that management would come to their senses.
If management think they have demoralized the pilots, nothing could be further from the truth, they are disengaged from the company, but resolute in fighting managements vindictive, corrosive & destructive "human resources" policies that have been targeted at maineline pilots. The pilot group are not suffering Stockholm syndrome, they do not identify with the company as their Saviour & protector. Anyone thinking this clearly has no view into the mind of a mainline pilot.
The pilots made strategic blunders in that year, it would appear that managers are now doing the same. Back people into a corner, and eventually they will fight, and fight hard. Your roll of the dice.