Support Karen Reissmann – George Galloway's statement

November 8, 2007

1–2 minutes

“The sacking of Karen Reissmann is an utter scandal that cannot be allowed to stand. She is a dedicated public servants who was sacked merely for speaking to the press in support of those she cares for and her workmates. I will be working with others in parliament to raise her case and to generate support for the action her fellow health workers are taking to win her reinstatement. Every trade unionist and everyone who puts people before profit should rally in support of Karen. I’ll be raising this issue in the media as well, which has a vested interest in ensuring that people can give interviews freely.

“I shared a platform with Karen in Manchester on Tuesday night. Anyone who has heard her speak knows she is a dedicated nurse and committed trade unionist. We need more psychiatric nurses like Karen. And we need more health service trade unionists like her – standing up not only for her members but crucially for those she looks after, some of the most vulnerable in society, those who have been driven to despair by a world in which profit rules and the devil take the hindmost.

“I know Respect members and representatives will be joining with others to raise solidarity for Karen and her striking colleagues. We must do all in our power to ensure she is reinstated.”

George Galloway MP

Video of Karen here.

3 responses to “Support Karen Reissmann – George Galloway's statement”

Sacked for opposing health service cuts « Rebellion Sucks! = a blog for socialism & self-determination

November 9, 2007 at 1:58 am

[…] Galloway, the Respect MP, has issued the following statement of support: “The sacking of Karen Reissmann is an utter scandal that cannot be allowed to stand. She is a […]

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Jason

November 9, 2007 at 7:06 pm

Good. This and John McDonnell’s statement can perhaps be used to raise the profile of this case amongst MPs and TU leaders etc.

Probably the most important work though is organising on the ground, collections, rank and fie networks to raise solidarity and support, invite speakers, make links with the Glasgow, Newham and Barnett Unison strikes and see how the action can be supported and spread.

John McDonnell’s statement is as follows:
“Labour MP John McDonnell is seeking to raise Karen Reissman’s case in Parliament to draw attention to the heavy handed attempt by the Manchester Mental Health Trust to silence Karen from speaking out to expose the implications of cuts in local services for patients.
John said “I believe that many Members of parliament will be shocked at the heavy handed and bullying tactics being used by this health body to silence one of its critics from exposing the effect its cuts in services will mean for patients. That is why I am seeking to raise this issue in Parliament in the hope that the Health Trust will back off from trying to intimidate staff in this way.”

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Richard

November 9, 2007 at 8:25 pm

Hear Karen Reissmann speaking about her sacking at Manchester Respect meeting

http://www.respectnorthwest.org/2006/home.htm

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Liam redux