Feeling let down by my union over discrimination at work

[LittleCarrot12]

Cannot see a work section so apologies if this isn’t best place. Wonder if anyone has any feedbacks on unions? I am in one but starting to think I’m not being advised well. If I’m honest I feel they are making it worse.

I think I’m being discriminated against. I’ve spoke to a few people outside work (HR manager and charity workers) who agree but my employer is being uncooperative.
Refusing meetings, not turning up, refusing to put anything in writing. The union have pretty much shrugged their shoulders and I feel I’ve followed their advice and ended up in a worse position. They agreed I had good case or I would not have pursued anything formally but now it’s being tense the rep seems worried about how senior management are perceiving him.

All internal for now but I feel quite lost. I did try to speak to CAB but they said union would be better informed.

Phone acas and say what you’ve said here they’re really helpful

Thanks. Didn’t think of ACAS

I wonder if you love this to legal and give more details, if you’re comfortable, whether you might get more informed responses.

I didn’t see a legal section. How do I move?

Can you explain more about the discrimation and also what process has been followed, have you raised a grievance?

Are you sure your union supports you?

Lost faith when one of the big ones couldn't manage to help a lot of its staff over a move, yet still were happy to take subs.

I have made a request for reasonable adjustments. It was refused but no reason given and refused to put in writing that it was refused. Grievance would be next step but I have no clue how to go about it so wanted the unions help. HR say everything through my manager but he refused to do anything.
His reasoning if I need RA then I’m not capable of the job. Which is untrue as I’m doing the job well but support would help me keep symptoms at bay.

It’s a big one too. But they are so busy and the onsite rep is really inexperienced. I think they are going through a restructure themselves but I’m thinking I pay subs for what

What do you mean? Isn’t that the point of a union?

If you’re not happy with the representation you’re receiving from one particular rep you could escalate your case and contact your branch officers, or national team who may have a different point of view and give you more helpful support. Contact details should in the membership area of your Union website.

You’re paying your subs so should be getting adequate support and advice.

Is it a staff rep you have been dealing with? If so, it may be worth giving your union a call as they should have an area representative.

MarthaFarquar has said it much better than I did!

I had great advice from my Union when I had problems at work, they employed a ln employment lawyer to support me in an employment tribunal against my employer. The employer eventually settled without us having to take it to the tribunal but it wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been in a Union.
If your Union rep isn't being helpful can you contact one of your Unions paid officials. They won't worry about upsetting your employer if they think you have a case.

That sounds like disability discrimination. Equality Act 2010 is your protection here.

Have you written an email to your line manager requesting the reasonable adjustments?

If you have not received a response forward the original email to your countersigning manager (your line manager’s manager). Request a read receipt (function in email tools).

in the message to the countersigning manager highlight dates and say you are very concerned about the length of time this is taking to resolve.
Also include the conversation where your line manager used discriminatory language.

His reasoning if I need RA then I’m not capable of the job.

Reasonable adjustments, by definition, aren't related to genuine occupational requirements of the job.

Go straight to HR and tell them what you've told us here about him refusing your request verbally and without giving reasons. HR's job is to protect the company from lawsuits and they won't want you to sue.

I think it sounds like an equality issue. If you are in GB, you should try a call to the EASS. Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) - GOV.UK https://share.google/jmwEZCLYJF5Gy2jKm

I have done almost 3 months ago. I’m now being ignored in work by him and it’s just so horrible. I’ve been there over a decade without issues until this happened.
I said it was a request under the EA and he said he doesn’t care as he doesn’t want me to have them and it’s his decision

That sounds really crap to have to deal with.

Definitely escalate and seek alternative support through your union.

Has the countersigning manager been brought into this? (Sorry it’s not clear from your latest). The employer has an obligation under the Equality Act 2010 legislation to consider all requests for reasonable adjustments, and should be proving a written explanation if they decide they are not able to provide them.

It’s the law not some bloke at works whimsy.

Never heard of a counter signing manager. Only me, manager, union rep and I believe HR in the background

A counter signing manager is usually the next manager up the chain who has signing/ authorising powers. So the line manager of your own line manager.

They don’t support in every case. They support when they think their union member has a case.

How long ago did you start the ball rolling on this? Your union has already confirmed fully supportive and willing to drive through your case? That is very positive

Is this a small company @LittleCarrot12 ?

No, it’s a large worldwide company:

So presumably they have made reasonable adjustments for hundreds of employees?