Mental Health Workers To Strike Again

Around 700 mental health workers in Manchester have announced they will go on a three-day strike next week, the second such occurrence in less than a month. The dispute is over the suspension of a union official accused of bringing the Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust into disrepute.

Unison representatives believe that Karen Reissmann was suspended because she voiced concerns about NHS cuts. She had organised two walkouts against proposed staff reductions at the trust.

Unison regional officer Andy Gill said that trust bosses should view the decision to strike as “an indication of just how angry our members are”. “We demand that they reverse the suspension of Karen,” he added.

Picket lines will be formed at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, North Manchester General hospital and Wythenshawe hospital. In addition to the three-day strike, there will be a demonstration on September 9th at 13:00 in the Peace Gardens, St Peters Square.