Virtually all the unions were opposed, too, some openly, others in surreptitious ways, knowing their position was morally untenable.

surreptitious (adj) 1: marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed; [syn: furtive, lurking, skulking, sneak(a), sneaky, stealthy] 2: conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods – source: Hard Work p. 232