I don't think they're bots, since I've seen the sentiment on HN for a long time. Instead, it reminds me of the idea of people seeing themselves as "temporarily embarrassed millionaires". If you see yourself as being part of the capital class in the future and think strong unions hurt the capital class, one might be against them.

I agree.

If not careful, it can come across as elitist: the notion that unions are for people who are replaceable—people that need unions.

I wonder though if those absolutely certain that they thrive in a meritocracy will have second thoughts if/when Corporate decides they're replaceable by AI.

I mean, many on HN are actual millionaires who've made fortunes from tech money. They are the capital class, so unions hurt them directly.