To be taken back by comment from union?

[incheon]

In the last year I spoke to the union 2 times:

• Pervy colleague at Xmas party, multiple placed a grievance and he was sacked, I gave a witness statement. Line manager was trying to convince me not to get involved and to “focus energy on work” so I didn’t raise a grievance myself
• having to attend HR witness meetings after someone else complained against my line manager (very awkward - manager started treating me differently)

Speaking to the union consisted of an email and a call each time. I haven’t placed any grievances or complaints myself so their support didn’t go further than that/no follow up action was required.

Emailed them today regarding same manager’s handling of my time off (had a miscarriage and he’s insistent on me returning before my fit note expires) and they called me and made a comment “with respect, you haven’t had a smooth working journey” which kind of threw me. The context was that they were telling me to document everything in a journal to “protect myself”, but it came across like they were saying I’m unusually problematic as they were referencing the previous incidents.

aibu? I suppose the comment is true but ultimately I feel like none of these things were in my control? So how can I have a “smoother journey” if the environment I work in is a bit chaotic. I know I’ve been in odd work situations a few times but it’s not due to my behaviour.

Maybe it was in the tone it was said, but I read that to mean given the previous incidents you might be a target for the line manager, not that you had been problematic.

Perhaps they meant that your managers have prevented you from having 'a smooth working journey' by their actions/inactions; you keeping a record would support that idea.

I think the context is important here. You haven't done anything wrong but maybe the Union have had dealings with your employer before and know how they operate. I think the advice to document everything is spot on. Your manager is totally out of order regarding your fit note. Look after yourself x

In my prior experience as both a union rep and someone who went through a grievance procedure at work, it's best to remember firstly that not every rep will be brilliant at dealing with issues (they are human, and a lot of humans are a bit crap).

Secondly, your union will be experienced at dealing with your company's management (which doesn't sound great), and they may just be giving you the best advice for your circumstances. They likely know what the battle ground will look like. I wouldn't take it personally.

I would ask about this comment, but honestly I think it’s a comment about your work place and manager rather than you.

Thank you all x

the comment made me feel like a constant F up almost 😂 but your comments helped put things into perspective. However I am just wanting to desperately leave this job. I suppose issues out of my control keep cropping up whereas I haven’t had this at any other job.

Secondly, your union will be experienced at dealing with your company's management (which doesn't sound great), and they may just be giving you the best advice for your circumstances. They likely know what the battle ground will look like. I wouldn't take it personally.

That’s interesting as this rep does know the managers at my office, I’m unsure if it’s through their regular duties or their union duties though. They said they “met my manager once and felt he had a lack of empathy but they only had a short conversation so may not be truly reflective of him”. That could mean anything like my manager didn’t hold the door open for them haha