Solidarity with health worker

TWO HUNDRED people packed out Cross Street Chapel on 25 July to show support for victimised health worker Karen Reissman. They were joined by speakers from UNISON's national executive, the postal workers, and a service users' group.

Karen is branch chair of UNISON's Community and Mental Health branch in Manchester. The branch successfully fought cuts and privatisation earlier this year with a series of actions including a strike. Now, health trust bosses are attacking Karen in an attempt to break the union and force through huge cuts.

The trust is £3.5 million in debt - yet there's a £161 million surplus in north-west NHS funds! Karen's suspension should be lifted right away and the deficit cancelled.

The branch is balloting for strike action in support of Karen, with the backing of many other unions and mental health patients in Manchester. A broad-based solidarity group, combined with industrial action, can force the bosses back. Socialist Party members will be supporting action to defend Karen and to defeat all attacks on trade union rights and public services.

Hugh Caffrey, Manchester