[WillowTheWhisp]

I've seen good unions and I've seen bad unions so you can't tar them all with the same brush. I've seen pig headed union leaders go for all-out strikes when it was plainly a stupid move and I've seen factories closed down and people out of work due to union action not to mention the weeks and weeks without pay before that when they were on strike and the whole family suffering. I've also seen sensible union reps negotiate on behalf of the workers and due to their specialist knowledge offer a great deal of help and support. Sometimes just the moral support of having somebody there beside you can be a huge confidence booster when you feel like you are in a no-win situation.

How come your union rep was also your managers union rep Chav? You should have been able to have someone to independantly witness the proceedings, not a case of taking sides which defeats the object surely?

I would definitely consult your union if you have one NorthStar. Like others have said it doesn't make any difference to your individual case what has happened where other people are concerned. They will only look at how you personally have been treated and assess whether that is acceptable or not. From what you've been saying it certainly doesn't sound acceptable. I once worked with a manager who was a right little Hitler and seemed to enjoy making people's lives a misery but it was the school bully mentality. He only did it with new people who didn't stand up to him. One girl who wasn't having any of it simply turned round to him and said "Oh go an boil yer 'ead" and he never said another word to her!! Not that I'm suggesting you try that.

Good luck.