I was recently terminated from my job after 10 years of employment. I am part of a union and this termination violated our bargaining unit contract. Throughout the years, I have filed numerous grievances against my former employer (for hostile work environment, retaliation and harassment to name just a few) and have been awarded monetary compensation for some of these greivances. I was overlooked for a promotion due to "lack of experience" and then had to train the person they hired. I (not the supervisor) had to establish and implement procedural guidelines as well as train new hires. Three days prior to my termination, I had filed 3 separate grievances. One of them was regarding my last performance review. The past 9 reviews stated that I "consistently meets or exceeds company expectation" and I was even given an additional annual percentage based upon my exemplary performance. However, this last review (which was given by a person who was my "supervisor" for only several months) stated I needed "serious improvement" with an overall rating of below expectations. No prior counsel or meeting was held discussing any sort of performance shortcoming. On March 7, I was terminated due to using company property on company time. ALL employees violate this policy (which was stated in a letter from the employer addressed to the union); however, not ONE employee was disciplined nor terminated for this violation. The policy also states that the internet/phones may be used before or after work or on break/lunch times for personal use. The company provided documentation of my internet usage to my union and ALL times were within the allowable. Both our bargaining unit contract and the employee handbook state that progressive disciplinary action must be implemented even in determining cases of just cause. This includes a verbal warning, 1st written, 2nd written and final written warning before a person is fired. I was never spoken to, counseled or warned prior to my termination. Additionally, the company has denied my unemployment benefits stating that they may include these in a severance package (to which I have not received to date). They have since postponed my unemployment appeal hearing hoping to resolve this beforehand. I would like to know what a reasonable severance package might include based upon my length of time with the employer, their denial of unemployment benefits and their now acknowledgment of my wrongful termination? Additionally, if a mutually acceptable settlement cannot be agreed upon, can I file a lawsuit against my former employer? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.