Guys I always thought that the some of the union executives are protected by the Industrial / labour laws of the country from these kinda action by the high headed CEOs of an industry. I hope EU has better labour laws than we have in this part of the world.
I always thought that this kinda thing is only possible here in SQ. Here the management decide what has to be done and Union members have to accept it with a pinch of salt. Pilots union can slightly delay the action of the management but can not avoid it. Do you know here SQ management has decided to give these guys about 35 to 40% cut in the earnings of the cockpit crews due to SARS out break. The pilots' union can delay this action of the management by 2 to 3 weeks but it will have to accept it, otherwise same sacking is easily possible here in SQ.
Wish you all the best friends in SWISS in achieving what you want..............