Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Karen Reissmann Sacked!

You may be aware that Karen Reissmann, Branch Chair at Manchester Community & Mental Health UNISON and member of UNISON's Health Service Group Executive, has been subject to disciplinary action by her employer.

I came to light yesterday that she has now been dismissed - not for any problems with the care she delivers to patients as a psychiatric nurse, but for speaking out against cuts and privatisation. Sacked for trade union activities!

Now, within UNISON Karen isn't someone I will always agree with, particularly on tacktics and our relationship with the Government. But she is a strong trade unionist, attacked by her employer for being that. The whole of UNISON needs to continue to support Karen and the members of her branch taking industrial action to defend her.

With everything these days there is a facebook group and a website. I have today also e-mailed Karen to express my support.

It's important that whatever your politics within the labour movement, we unite to defend this activist under attack.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

supportin the trots!! tut tut

James Anthony said...

My post was clear that we have our internal political differences!

However, we must support Karen and the members of her branch fighting against the targeting of a trade union activist for their trade union activities.