Unfortunately this is the way.

I had the misfortune to completely misinterpret my manager once. Turns out our relationship wasn't equal (go figure) - when I challenged my managers decision it backfired to the point of nuclear-escalation from management. Even though it happened in the right forum and from a professional viewpoint. Even though I hadn't done anything wrong, everything was perceived in ill faith.

Department management wanted to talk to me in a meeting. They did not want to disclose the agenda.

Fortunately, I was in a union. So when I asked for them to include my union representative in the meeting they backtracked HARD. After having discussed the case with my union representative we came to the conclusion that I hadn't done anything wrong, and that they were most likely abusing their powers - and that there was a prior history of this in this particular department.

With my union representative present, management moderated themselves immensely. They had started something without thinking that I would include my my union.

In the meeting, we ended up exchanging pleasantries. Some action items were made, applicable for all involved parties to avoid - so that we could avoid these kind of misunderstanding in the future.

The meeting ended with me having the moral high ground, but I knew that my days in the company was coming to an end. I felt like a marked employee.

I spent a couple of months rebuilding my image. Just conforming to everything they told me to do. After a while, I turned in my resignation and am now working elsewhere.

Doing the same, but less work for much higher pay and for a company that cares a little more about their employees well-being.