I don't know in detail about the new scheme. I have learnt about it in conversation with our FOI as to what we will be allowed. It is far better for us in GA, mainly because we are not stuck with a scheme designed for the convenience of airlines but can make variations backed by a safety case in line with our SMS.
Our FTLs will not change until we have applied for changes. Those changes won't be approved until we have made a safety case. So we will get more flexibility (which believe it or not our pilots want: we want to do the job if at all possible) with safety responsibility in-house but regulated. Seems like a good system for us.
Unions have an interest in restricting what pilots can do. This means airlines need more crew, more crew means more members and more dues. That site ray cosmic linked to was obvious propaganda, you only have to look at the link labelled "facts" to see that it goes to a page about accidents.