I'm on a year-long secondment to another department in my company. The secondment was at a grade lower than my substantive job, but I kept my same pay and conditions.
While I've been gone, there've been changes in my old department and they've brought in someone there - man A - who has taken over part of my former job.
It looks as though my new department where I'm on secondment doesn't have the money in its budget to keep me beyond the year - the post is a lower grade and salary than my substantive position.
But in an informal meeting to talk about joint projects with my old department, I was told my old post would be going because there wouldn't be enough work to justify it.
(Bear in mind that there was enough work until Man A was brought in for a separate project and was given some of my old work - ironically he's someone I was appointed over in my substantive position over five years ago and he's there on a secondment too).
In the meantime someone else - man B - was brought in to cover my old job and is still there and due to return to his old job at the end of my secondment. So they haven't done without me while I've been away.
I've emailed my boss in my original job asking for a meeting saying I intend to return to that post and could we have a chat about any changes etc before I return? He and I don't get on particularly well - he was appointed after I was in post.
I've also spoken in confidence to a union rep saying I'm flexible about the role I return to, but I would oppose compulsory redundancy.
The union rep advised me having a chat to my old boss and just seeing what he says first - I won't give my hand away by referring to what I've been told.
I suspect there's some gamesmanship going on here because the new department would like to keep me but can't afford me. I'm happy to compromise and work across both departments if necessary, which might be a good solution for all side.
I don't want to make waves, but neither am I prepared to be pushed around.
Thanks if you've stayed with me so far.
Does anyone have any advice on how best to handle the meeting, bearing in mind it could have far-reaching consequences?
The union rep says it's best for me if they don't follow correct procedure, so I'm inclined to play the innocent, see what my boss says. But what's the best response if he confirms what I've been told unofficially?
Thanks for your patience and any advice.