Questions for current/recent biology students

Hi, I’m a student at another UK uni that’s recently run into some problems with a person who used to work at the University of Manchester. I’m wondering if anyone could help me make sense of their attitude to Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs), as they used to work as one at Manchester, and maybe it’s a culture/expectation difference between our unis.

In lab sessions or workshops when students ask the GTA for help or advice, would the GTA typically say something like “I must check with the academic in charge” rather than answering the question?

Were GTAs ever debating or disagreeing (politely) with the academics on an answer, or were they only in agreement with the academic?

What’s the overall vibe during these sessions between students, academics, and GTAs like at the uni?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.