Reinstate Karen Reissmann

Branch notes:

1. That Karen Reissmann, community psychiatric nurse, Unison branch chair and member of the Unison health service group executive, has been sacked by Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust.

2. That she was found guilty of bringing the Trust into disrepute by giving an interview in December 2006 criticising the transfer of NHS work to the voluntary sector. She was further found guilty of telling people that she was suspended; of protesting her innocence and for allowing the press to print information about her case. A further charge of misusing time was dropped.

3. That 700 members of Karen’s branch voted 87 percent in favour of striking in her support, and have taken a total of 14 days of strike action during the last three months. Some 150 are on indefinite strike from 8 November until she is reinstated.

Branch believes:

1. That the sacking is directly linked to Karen’s UNISON activity in defence of the NHS and its staff over the last year.

2. That health workers have a right to criticise and oppose government policy. Patients, staff and service users are put at risk when workers fear to speak out.

3. That she should be reinstated immediately.

4. That the sacking of Karen is a threat to all trade unionists and to all those who want to defend the NHS.

5. That is the Trust which is causing distress to service users and their families by their attacks on the union and the workforce, and it is Karen and her supporters who are defending the service.

Branch resolves:

1. To give our full support to Karen and to make a donation of ………….. to the campaign. We further pledge to give a donation of …………. every month until Karen is reinstated.

2. To send a message of support to karen@reissmann.fsnet.co.uk

3. To support any demonstrations called to support Karen’s reinstatement and to send our branch banner. A demonstration is scheduled for Manchester on Saturday 24 November 1pm Peace Gradens.

4. To send a message of protest to Sheila Foley, Chief Executive of Manchester Mental Health & Social Care Trust. Email sheila.foley@mhsc.nhs.uk or write to Sheila Foley, Chief Executive, Manchester Mental Health & Social Care Trust, Trust HQ, Chorlton House, 70 Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9UN

Note: Send donations payable to Manchester Community and Mental Health branch UNISON to Union office, Chorlton House, 70 Manchester Rd, Manchester M21 9UN. If you want a speaker at your next union meeting please contact unison@zen.co.uk or 07737 300859.