Look at Ryanair. That's what happens when you have *no* union,
Good for them and, as a result, they have 81 million pax and growing plus another 175 aircraft on order and a great punctuality record to add to great fares. Aer Lingus had an almost 50 year start on them but were going nowhere until comparatively recently.
To me the only downside of FR is the website which, thankfully, is going to be revamped. I have never personally experienced or seen anything other than friendliness and courtesy from Ryanair staff. They are not the uncaring, rude people that a few with other agendas love to go on about. It's a joy to travel with them, worry-free before, during and after the flight.
I can fully understand how people brought up in the tradition of "old" Aer Lingus regret the passing of those good ol' cushy days but now they're gone, they're definitely gone.