"Problem is, this is 2017 and the employee commands more respect."
The idea of power in the hands of the workforce died in 1979.
If FR pilots take this action, they'd better be prepared for the long game and they'd better be all in this together. Anything less will result in the man dismissing pilots for breach of contract. After all, there's a recruitment drive going on. And those new people need a demonstration of what will happen if they step out of line.
Strike action could cause a lot of short term pain for FR. But, investors and the board will back MOL all the way.