I think you are conflating anti-union sentiment with legitimate concern that unions put the interest of its members ahead of innovation in the name of keeping people employed. No one said down with unions.
but unlike some american unions they do not hold the companies hostage. union shops do not exist. they can not demand that every employee joins the union. they do not control what tasks individual employees are allowed to do. they negotiate contracts and work conditions. that's all.
at least in germany unions are also favoring reduction of work hours, which is another way workers can benefit from automation without losing their jobs.