Even better to have a cold one primed when the 708 number rings. Its a great feeling to say NO, take a big gulp, then burp.
But for me that feeling is short lived, because the next bloke will probably say yes, because he will find some reason that benefits himself... money, maybe an additional day off down the line, or "hey, I can take that AD away from you tomorrow".
The problem with the expat pilot group is simple. We are all transient in some shape or form, and we are only in it for ourselves. Unfortunately, solidarity in the pilot group in EK will never be strong.
Anyone ever heard of divide and conquer?