Delta Air Lines has confirmed that they were behind a poster encouraging employees to buy a new video gaming system rather than pay union dues, NBC News reported on Thursday.

Other posters called on employees to watch football, "buy a few rounds" or get "tickets and food" at a baseball game, instead of joining a union, as part of the airline company's "Don't Risk It, Don't Sign It" campaign.

The drive quickly came under fire, prompting a response from 2020 Democrat Bernie Sanders, who tweeted: “Delta told employees to buy video games instead of forming a union. What a disgrace.”

"Delta’s CEO made nearly $22 million in 2017 while paying ramp agents as little as $9/hour.

"I say to Delta: Stop trying to undercut workers’ right to form a union and negotiate for better wages."

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Pilots are the only group of unionised employees in the airline company.

The initiative has been seen as an attempt by Delta to dissuade other employees, including ramp agents, cargo agents, and flight attendants, from joining a union.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers​ (IAM) union said that Delta had “resorted to defaming and spewing lies and misrepresentations about the IAM."

"These are all hallmark signs of how scared Delta is of their employees having a voice in their careers.

“The day when Delta ramp workers and flight attendants will finally be able to bargain for the compensation, benefits and work rules they deserve is coming quickly, and that has Delta terrified.”

Delta responded by saying that they respect employees' right to decide if a union "is right for them".

The direct relationship we have with our employees is at the very core of our strong culture and it has enabled continuous investments in Delta people.”

“Delta has shared many communications, which on the whole make clear that deciding whether or not to unionise should not be taken lightly.”