Trade unionists apparently distressed (3,2)

I believe the answer is:

cut up

'distressed' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for cut up that I've seen before include "affected by separation" , "Chop into bits - deeply offended" , "Distressed - dissected" , "collage" , "Dissect" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app