Spudgunjon,
I don't understand this comment: "one eye over my shoulder looking out for the taxman."
Do you mean:
1) You are concerned that your "employer" is not paying your taxes/social security correctly? Or;
2) Are you for some reason concerned that you, yourself, may wittingly be involved in tax evasion in order to raise your poor salary package to a liveable wage?
If you're involved in tax evasion, I'd be more worried about judgment day if the authorities catch up with you rather than being concerned about Ryanair's ability to crew its aircraft.
As for an argument against a union in FR? There is no cogent argument against. MOL and his cronies are a bunch of crooks. You should stick it to them. 2 days before the Olympics begin.....