On the question of TUPE, not as simple as it appears, only certain elements of contract protected and then only for 2 years normally. If part of a big unionised workforce can sometimes be reasonable deal but the legal requirement isnt very good for most people. Sounds like the normal business model in most places these days, whatever profits being made they want more and pay big bonuses to senior managers regardless . If a workforce is looked after no one needs to join a union, which would be the cheaper option in the long run !