My bro lost his job after trying to lead unionization at his workplace; after two months of very tense struggle (lots of power abuse, lies and threats and yadda) other workers - who couldn't handle that pressure anymore - started turning backs on him; I know from the experience (tho I managed to keep my job- different place, different time, different story) that is the most painful part when people you are fighting for start leaving you...

PS He went totally nuts, having what appears to be a nervous breakdown... in the end they didn't even fire him but demoted to most humiliating - in fact physically dangerous but who cares! - workplace and after couple more months of harassment he quit; the point was that (according to Serbian laws) he gets even less money and rights if they don't fire him.