Management's sole 'raison d'être' is to maximize shareholder wealth. That involves paying their machines (people) as little as possible to get the job done. Why does this surprise anyone?
Besides, sometimes the proverbial gun to the government's head is just what the the doctor ordered. A company only gets the union it deserves. Fred knows this and knows it well. Keeping them out is in his best interest and the interest of his rich pals.