Should UBS be dismembered?

I think if you have a good claim it is always worth pursuing banks like UBS and there is definitely more support nowadays for the private litigant to redress the inequality of bargaining power. Naturally they will try to undermine your credibility and reputation and they will play dirty, but it's about sending a message that their behaviour should not be tolerated. When banks fail to comply with the relevant law they should pay damages, to encourage them to take their employment law responsibilities more seriously in future. It is sheer arrogance on the part of management for them to think they are above the law

I am overwhelmed with the response here. Thank you. In fact, we tried to settle this in late 2003, offering to 'go away' if the bank paid our estimated legal expenses (then about 10K). They declined, which I still find amazing. Since then, of course, the legal bill has rocketed, the stress levels too.

Jane, it may be worth checking this advice with your legal team to assess the implications for your case eg whether it would be prejudicial. Last year the Dresdner 6 gave a number of interviews to the press and various women's magazines. It is potentially one solution to your funding needs. It's also a good way to get the message across that the Bank's behaviour is totally unacceptable. Best of luck in your fight!

Jane, really sorry to hear your battle has been going on for so long. I'm surprised they haven't suggested settlement. The bad publicity of employee litigation can't be doing them any good when there are so many other stakeholders interested in pursuing a claim against them in the current market. Good luck for pursuing your claim, I think you probably deserve any figure you get from the bank. At the end of the day, the bank is insured for these types of risks, so it is not going to do them much harm just paying out. I'm sure it hasn't been great for your health or well being having to fight for so long. I hope it gives you strength knowing you're not the only one out there fighting this bank. Bullies need someone to stand up to them - what you're doing will help many other employees who don't have your strength to fight and it will hopefully encourage the bank to review their Employee Handbook to reduce litigation risk. Good luck and stay strong!

Hey guys, thanks to all you Anonymous folk out there giving your advice so generously. Just to let you know, we haven't given up on our battle to get to the truth, and we are exploring all avenues to achieve this. It's been six long and stressful years, and the UBS is very wrong if they think we'll give up just because of one setback, however much they try to intimidate with horrendous costs bills. When you know you're telling the truth, and you haven't cheated anybody, it's a powerful motivation to give the bully boys a run for their money.