was my union rep rude?

[nuttymomma]

I've been having real problems getting any support or response from my union regarding my grievance and tribunal claim ever since covid 19 hit.

whilst I am not at work at present, I would like to know what will happen when I do return to work.

I sent an email to my workplace rep last week asking for an update and got a response today which said

"sorry for the delay in responding but I've been busy with union work and my actual paying job" She then went on to say that as we are all likely to be WFH for a while, then my case can wait til then.

AIBU to have felt hurt and annoyed by this? Especially the opening line of her email as detailed above. I feel forgotten about. They used to be really supportive and now I'm dropped.

I responded "sorry to have bothered you" - was that me being rude in turn? I wasn't quite sure how to respond. I did finish with a "take care" though.

Your rep's email does come over as abrupt, but this might be just because emails can translate badly without tone of voice. I would imagine union reps are quite busy at the moment with Covid-related issues, and tribunals will be backlogged, so I would probably cut her some slack. I don't think your reply was rude.

I think what she was saying is that her rep role is voluntary whereas alongside that she has a contracted role i.e one that pays her salary, elsewhere in the organisation which she has to prioritise. Most TU reps only have the equivalent of a few hours a week allocated for union duties which can include reviewing casework, supporting employees at formal meetings/hearings, so I don't think she was being rude just stating the facts. Whilst I understand your anxiety and concerns about returning to work, sadly Covid-19 has overtaken most workplaces and overturned 'normal' practice. I don't think you were being rude either.

It sounds to me like she is just extremely busy and as you aren't going back to work yet, your case isn't a priority for her at the moment.

To give you an example, my organisations Trade Unions are busy with working on the furlough scheme, potential redundancy's and safe working practices for when we do open. This is in top of any case work they have.

Your rep just doesn't have time to provide you with pastoral support you want at the moment. If you have a HR Dept, why not contact them directly and ask them about what types of support they may be able to offer. Or focus on managing your anxiety eg your GP or employee assistance programme if your employer has one.