Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust plan to dismiss the elected Trade Union Facilitator Zena Dodgson at the end of 2009, and replace this elected role with that of a Trade Union Convenor appointed by a panel which would include Trust management.

This is an unprecedented attack on Trade Union democracy and the rights of the workforce.

We are aware that Trade Unionists and NHS supporters all around the UK are sending protest messages to the Chief Executive of the Trust. Messages received so far are from both individuals and organisations such as KeepOurNHSPublic, healthactivists, and the Shrewsbury Pickets Justice Campaign, which is seeking justice for Ricky Tomlinson and others who were jailed in the 1970’s for Trade Union activities. Zena is very grateful for this support.

North Sussex and East Surrey Trades Council are holding a meeting in support of Zena on Wednesday 2nd December at St Johns Church Hall in Crawley starting at 7. 30pm. This meeting is open to all, not just Trade Union members.

As Derek Isaacs, the Trades Council Secretary, says: “Zena is an excellent trade union representative and has defended her members at the Hospitals very well. I have no doubt reason the Trust wants to get rid her is because of campaigns such as reinstate the Shuttle Bus between Crawley and Redhill Hospital, and against privatisation in the NHS.”

Another Trades Council member, Paul Smith, adds: “Zena Dodgson, a key UNISON union activist at Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust is being threatened with redundancy. This is undoubtedly motivated by the fact that Zena has consistently been a thorn in the side of the Trust management. Zena needs our support now. Please come to this meeting if you can and please pass this message onto others.”

Zena’s appeal against her dismissal is now re-scheduled for 3pm on 8th December; the appeal hearing has already been cancelled by the Trust once.

Please try to attend the meeting in Crawley on Wednesday. Additionally messages of protest can be sent to Gail Wannell, Chief Executive, Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust, Maple House, East Surrey Hospital, Canada Avenue, Redhill, RH1 5RH. Email address is gail.wannell@sash.nhs.uk, and phone number is 01737 231825.

Messages of support can be sent to Zena via the Branch Office at ESH on 01737 768511, ext 6121 or by email to zena.dodgson@nhs.net.

Derek Isaacs, Secretary North Sussex and East Surrey Trades Union Council