The answer to your question is YES.
If a thousand pilots coordinated, refused to work and then showed them the finger they would all certainly be fired, face prosecution, likely be fined, possibly jailed and definitely deported.
This place may look first world but scratch a little and below the surface some aspects can be very third world, the legal system being one of them. Many expats here have found this out after being injured, raped, robbed or even questioning the system. There are different rules for different folks. It depends where you are in the food chain. There are some shocking cases of injustice, and some expats have discovered this too late.
With a high profile demonstration like pilots downing tools, the authorities would take very severe action. It is no longer about the airline. It becomes about the whole country and to avoid anyone else getting ideas the consequences would be severe.
In fact a far less radical solution would probably be effective. If only 10-20% of our pilots simply had the stones to write to their managers in the nicest possible way, with examples, the obviously glaring disparities and inadequacies of the system, things would change. They have before.
Unfortunately most suffer from a persecution complex, and are too apathetic, too cowardly or too stupid to do so. These qualities ensure the status quo
I think you just have no balls. And than what? Who will fly their planes?And how about international media.You might be right on the legal framework but remember there is a public opinion, and doing something like imprisoning 1000 pilots and deport them, beside being impossible , would have terrible consequences for EK image. I'm 100% sure that a pilot strike, legal or not legal would solve all your problems in one week. They count on you being all of the money only, no solidarity, macho, superman, individualist idiot breed and apparently quite righteously and profitably. Admit it.. you are just slaves.