@ZAV: There's always the first time.
Another fine point which many fail to embrace is LIFO for redundancies being unlawful everywhere in the EU that we know of. It's a very good question then, what can the union do for you that you cannot arrange yourself. (With valid answers, actually).
321driver Repeated misconception about the lawful labour protections in the ex-commie part which used to be ruled by the working class -it's the other way around. Getting the justice served in accordance with that law -- now you're onto something. Have you seen what RYR holdings did to the union in Austria, after signing the collective labour agreement with them at Lauda? Compass swing may be required.