Yes, I think he would.
Whilst it is fairly easy to justify losses attributed to strike action from an employee group who have consistently resisted change it is quite a bit more difficult for a CEO to justify losses attributed to an employee group who have consistently backed the company through difficult times.
The gulf between Iberia and their savings requirements was huge, thus Iberia Express happened. IAG are asking for a 5% short haul productivity increase in order for SH to break even. That is achievable.
To deliberately provoke IA from BAPLA would be difficult do defend to both the board and the shareholders.