I don't suppose I'd feel too helpful had I been treated the way they are. Really they need independent mediation and a fresh start with a government/union truce, but I fear they are a few years too late for this. The whole situation is a mess and repercussions will be felt for a generation.
As for being taken off flight-planned route or stepping off any standard procedure - the argument that has been rolled out many times is that under new draconnian laws the individual ATCO is liable for jail and eye-watering fines. Would you step off an SOP with this constantly hanging over you?
The issue and resolution is not with the individual ATCO, rather a system which is dangerous and broken.