The Offshore Alliance frequently touts itself as an “open and democratic union,” championing transparency and collective worker voice. But behind the polished slogans and stylized graphics on its Facebook page lies a very different reality—one where critical voices are erased, dissent is punished, and even union members find themselves locked out for asking legitimate questions.

Multiple users have reported that posts questioning the factual basis of the Alliance’s claims are swiftly deleted. More disturbingly, those who raise these questions—whether politely or pointedly—are not only barred from posting again but are entirely blocked from viewing the page. This blanket censorship doesn’t discriminate between trolls and genuine members; in some cases, even dues-paying union members have been silenced simply for seeking clarification or offering a differing viewpoint.

This is not the behaviour of an open and democratic organization. In a true union democracy, debate is encouraged, not stifled. Questions are answered, not deleted. Members are respected, not digitally exiled.

The Alliance’s social media tactics suggest a top-down approach to information control, where dissent is treated as a threat rather than a healthy part of democratic discourse. This is more in line with corporate PR management than a member-led movement. If the Offshore Alliance is confident in the accuracy of its statements, it should have no fear of scrutiny. Yet its actions suggest a deep discomfort with accountability.

This kind of censorship undermines the very principles the labour movement stands for—solidarity built on mutual respect, not enforced agreement. Unions derive their strength from the active participation of their members, including those who challenge the consensus. Silencing these voices not only weakens internal trust but damages the union’s credibility in the broader public.

As has been pointed out many times on this site, the Alliance is openly dishonest and incapable of backing the claims it posts on its Facebook page. We encourage anyone being misled to question the Alliance. The next time an Alliance organiser stands in front of you talking nonsense, ask them to prove their claims. If they can’t, you’ll know they’re lying to you. There is more than enough evidence on this page to give you the information you need to ask the right questions.

If the Offshore Alliance wants to maintain the trust of its members and the legitimacy of its mission, it must live up to its own rhetoric. That means embracing transparency, welcoming constructive criticism, and treating its members as equals—not as liabilities to be managed.

Until then, the phrase “open and democratic” on the Offshore Alliance’s page will remain just that: a slogan, not a reality.