"It's illegal dissmiss any person on grounds of their affiliation or membership to any
recognised trade unions" ! ! !

I'm sure I've read that somewhere but unfortunately the offending companies
haven't the **** to admit it and constructive dismissal claims are nigh on immpossible
to prove with new legislation giving employers more protection when it comes to
unfair dismissal claims.

Our engineers have just received official union recognition allowing Unite to act on
our behalf when it comes to pay and conditions negotiations and we
are just about to have have elections for representatives wishing to stand.

I still think it would be worthwhile for individuals to become union members just for
the peace of mind of knowing you are not alone in the workplace in the current climate
of uncertainty we find ourselves in at the moment.