> "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.

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.