Re-instate Karen Reissmann

Karen Reissmann, one of UNISON's leading NHS activists, has been sacked by her employer for the crime of being an effective trade unionist. This is an attack on all health workers - if they can pick off just one trade union representative for speaking out, then they can come after any of us.

Karen spoke up for her colleagues, her service, her patients, and eventually for herself. These were her crimes, and for this the Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust say they are sacking her, for bringing them into disrepute. It seems to NHS worker that the Trust, and Chief Executive Sheila Foley needed no help from Karen in that regard - they are a disreputable gang of union-busting low-lifes already! They are willing to deprive their patients of a dedicated and caring nurse just because she also happens to be a dedicated and caring trade unionist.

We say "re-instate Karen" and we call on all health workers to rally to Karen's support. Her UNISON branch is already organising strike action to win her re-instatement, and we hope that it is fully supported by everyone in the trade union movement.