Anti-union messages, debunked

August 10, 2026

It's super normal to come across anti-union messaging during a recognition campaign. Anti-union companies copy paste each other's messages, and no matter the industry, size of company, or even country, you can expect the same, tired messages about unions.

So let's go through the common anti-union messages most companies use.

"The union is a third party" #

Nope! The union is you and your colleagues. The decision to go for recognition was decided by a vote of your colleagues, and the voluntary recognition deal was negotiated by your colleagues. You are in control of your union. What you fight for and how, is democratically decided by you and your colleagues.

You are the union. Learn more about how unions work in the UK.

"You'll lose your individual voice, if there's a union" #

Your union will decide, together, what to bargain over. What is negotiated is decided by you and your colleagues, and any deals are also voted on by you and your colleagues. You'll still be able to advocate for yourself at work, but more importantly, you'll gain another way to make change.

"You'll lose money because of dues" #

Union workers have better working conditions than non-union workers. Workers lose money by not having a union.

"Unions could get you a worse deal" #

You and your colleagues will propose and ratify any deals. Your colleagues share your interests and perspective, and decisions are made collectively, in the open. You wouldn't accept a worse deal, right? Your colleagues won't either.

"A union is bad for business" #

You and your colleagues love working at Skyscanner. You want a fair deal, a say in decisions that affect your work, and ultimately, Skyscanner to succeed. So it shouldn’t be a surprise a paper published in the Royal Economic Society’s Economic Journal shows that unions are good for productivity. The perspective and experience you earned by building Skyscanner, can only improve company decision-making.

"You don't need a union. You can talk to us directly!" #

A recognised union gives you time, support, and additional rights when talking to your employer. With a union, you don't have to rely on your influence, popularity, relationship with a manager, or financial security to change the workplace or get a fair deal. If you have an issue, it's likely your colleagues do too. A union gives you a structure to find people in the same situation and raise issues together.

"We're a good company. You don't need a union!" #

What do you like about your workplace? How do you keep it that way? A union is a great way of preserving what you and your colleagues like about Skyscanner. A union gives you confidence that even in the face of leadership changes, culture and benefits will only change with your consultation.

Anti-union but make it fun #

Have some fun at your next company-led meeting about unions! Bring a bingo card and see how many of the tired talking points you hear.

What will you and your union win? #

You have unions to thank for your weekend, limits on working hours, minimum wage, the equal pay act, parental leave, employment contracts, and paid annual leave.

Each of those rights was fought for and won by people like you, at companies like Skyscanner. What will you win for future tech workers?