Have you tried refusing to attend the course unless they play ball?
As I may have mentioned (a few times) before, sometimes you have to remind people how you want to be treated.
Take my tip, Rob ... never allow yourself to become a victim.
By the way, in case anyone is wondering:- yes, I have been known to be "assertive" when the need had arisen. And yes, I have "lost work" because of it. But my final response has generally been along the lines of "if you can find someone else daft enough to do it, then be my guest" (or words to that effect).
