Would helping colleagues after maternity leave be spiteful toward this union rep?

[Babyseal23]

Before going on maternity leave, I was a union rep for two years and genuinely took pride in doing the job properly. I was trained in employment law and company policies, and I always tried to work with management to find fair solutions that helped colleagues improve rather than simply face punishment.

My biggest issue was another rep, who I believe was more interested in benefiting himself than helping members. He would take credit for other people's work, including stealing my membership sign up forms containing personal information, and use them to gain recognition and training opportunities. He also wanted meetings to avoid doing his normal job.

On one occasion, he tried to get me to hand over work so he could avoid doing his own. When I refused, he told me to fuck off in front of everyone, then played the victim after being reported.

I also have concerns about his handling of confidential information, his attitude towards colleagues' mental health and how union funds are spent. We reported our concerns to the union, but I feel they have been ignored.

Since the original union leader and I left, he has taken charge. I am considering offering colleagues informal advice when I return from maternity leave, helping them understand policies and prepare for meetings where permitted. I don't want to become a rep again or get dragged into drama. I simply want to help colleagues and let them decide who they trust.

[RavVid]

I think that is generous of you rather than spiteful. I don't have any understanding of situations in the US but in Australia being a union rep can be merely about that person getting a head rather than helping colleagues.

It is certainly a path to getting a safe seat under the Labor party and perversely to getting into management roles in the public service. It is also a means of getting corrupt benefits - especially in the construction industry. My guess is you are right about the guy.

[AI Opinion]

Informally helping colleagues isn’t spiteful by itself; it becomes a problem only if you:

- Misrepresent yourself as the official rep
- Undermine him personally rather than focus on issues
- Breach any union/employer rules on representation or confidentiality

What I’ve done in similar situations is:

- Offer informal, private guidance: “Here’s the policy; here are your options.”
- Encourage them to use their rep or get another rep if allowed.
- Keep a clear boundary: you’re a knowledgeable co‑worker, not an alternative union structure.

[WhitneySnow]

That’s a good idea

[Paige2006]

No it wouldn't