All this talk about public perception, comparisons with BA and '
PR battles' is a bit self indulgent. There is no similarity whatsoever.
BA going on strike affects a lot of people. It disrupts holidays, distant families and big business.
Flybe going on strike would push people to the competition, as it did for BA. But unlike BA there are a lot of routes where Flybe competitors offer a similar or better service. I very much doubt there will be any sort of public outcry. The routes with no competition may open up to competitiors, or people will just make alternative arrangements.
This may be a benefit to the strikers though as it will only hit the company where it hurts.