[iAMAGuest]

> "Many rights of workers are protected by legislation" - sure but employees are rarely able take the case to court without union backing.

In several countries where I have lived you don't need a court for industrial conflicts, there are arbitrators, mediators, and small courts which deal with such items.

[cortic]

But without representation and legal advice such 'small courts' often rule on the side of money. Even before such a hearing can take place the employee can be subject to pressure and bullying and without representation in disciplinary meetings and the like they often end up quitting, or accepting treatment/warnings/disciplinary action they do not deserve. Without a union it will always be a David and Goliath story, but with a much more realistic ending.