Stop cuts in Mental Health
Reinstate Karen Reissmann
Fight for the right to speak out against privatisation and cuts.
Campaign update with speakers
Karen Reissmann, victimised trade unionist
Graham Pink, whistleblower from 17 years ago
Alan Hartman, Manchester User Network
Monday 14th April.
7.15pm at Radisson Hotel, Peter St
(Old Free Trade Hall building)
Meeting followed by free "thank you" Social
Open to all the UNISON health conference delegates and visitors in Manchester for their conference, mental health users and strikers and all Manchester supporters to update them on campaign followed by a social to thank all for their support in our dispute.
Hosted by UNISON Manchester Community and Mental Health branch.
supported by UNISON National Health Service Executive
Download leaflet (pdf)
Respect-Left List Manchester Election Campaign
Campaign Timetable
The election campaign for Respect - Left List got off to a great start over the Easter Weekend.
Around 50 people braved the rain on Thursday evening to attend the "People before Profit" public meeting where we heard from a number of local campaigners including our Respect-Left List candidate Sue McPherson.
This was followed up with mass mosque leafleting on Friday where we managed to cover 6 mosques.
Canvassing began on Sunday in Rusholme and Monday in Levenshulme - our new leaflet went down really well and met some extremely good new people as well as visiting people who had voted for Nahella Ashraf in Rusholme last year.
Finally the fundraising meal last night raised £140.00 towards the campaign.
We will now be canvassing every Wednesday in Rusholme - meet up from 6pm outside the Falafel cafe and on Thursdays in Levenshulme from 6pm meeting outside the Netto on Stockport Road. On Sundays we will be canvassing in both wards.
We really want as many people as possible to come and help so we can speak to as many voters as possible before May 1st - please let me know when you can help
Download the election campaign timetable here (pdf).
Video of Sue McPherson speaking at the "People Before Profit Event
To see a bigger screen size or download a high quality version of this clip click here
People before Profit
Our vision for Manchester
7.30 pm Thursday 20th March
Speakers:
John Clegg (Tenants against Stock Transfer)
Innocent Nkung (Congo Support Project)
Sue McPherson (Levenshulme Community activist)
Karen Reissmann (Nurse sacked for speaking out against cuts in the NHS)
Stephen Kingston (Editor of Salford Star) personal capacity
Eric Allison (The Guardian's Prison Correspondent)
Friends Meeting House
Mounts St, behind Central Library
Manchester
ALL WELCOME
Meeting organised by Greater Manchester Respect.
For more info contact Tony 07958 450 545.
Love Music, Hate Racism Carnival!
27th April 2008, Victoria Park, East London
Spead the word about this carnival and join Love Music Hate Racism--the present day descendant of Rock Against Racism.
Our music is living testimony to the fact that cultures can and do mix. It unites us and gives us strength, and offers a vibrant celebration of our multicultural and multiracial society. Racism seeks only to divide and weaken us. Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) was set up in 2002 in response to rising levels of racism and electoral successes for the Nazi British National Party (BNP).
We use the energy of our music scene to celebrate diversity and involve people in anti-racist and anti-fascist activity as well as to urge people to vote against fascist candidates in elections. LMHR has helped to mobilise against further BNP election victories, in the tradition of the Rock Against Racism (RAR) movement of the late 1970s.
There have been now been over 400 LMHR events, from large outdoor festivals to local gigs and club nights. Top artists who've performed at LMHR events include Ms Dynamite, Hard -Fi, Babyshambles, Akala, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Estelle, The View, Lethal Bizzle, Roll Deep and Basement Jaxx. Just as important are the up-and-coming bands, DJs, MCs and their fans who have performed at or organised their own local LMHR nights.
We want to create a national movement against racism and fascism through music, so it’s vital everyone gets involved however they can.
Rock - Hip-hop - Bhangra - Drum n Bass - Indie - Reggae - R&B - Punk - Grime - Jazz - OUR MUSIC!!
Stop the War News
Manchester Emergency Protest Over Gaza
1. Manchester's Emergency Protest over Gaza - Friday teatime
2. Join the global protests - demonstrate 15 March - coaches to the demo
3. A week of public seminars on Iraq at Manchester University
1. Manchester's Emergency Protest over Gaza - Piccadilly Gardens - 5pm on Friday 7th March,
End Israel's killing of Palestinians now! Lift the siege on Gaza!
Called by Greater Manchester Stop The War Coalition GMSTWC and Action Palestine
Supported by Manchester Palestine Solidarity CampaignThe latest Israeli assault on Gaza has killed 115 Palestinians in
Gaza, including 63 on Saturday alone, and 350 wounded. A third of
those killed were babies and children. Palestinians in the West Bank
are also being shot and killed by the Israeli army, including a 19
year old student protesting near Ramallah against Israel's assault on
Gaza.
People are protesting in many cities. Go to STWC and PSC.
Join the protest vigil in Manchester
2. Join the global protests - demonstrate 15 March - get a coach to the demo
World Against War demonstration - 15th March
Troops Out Of Iraq And Afghanistan! Don't Attack Iran! End The Siege Of Gaza!
Call to book a seat.
Bolton call Neil 07931 382 398
Bury and Rochdale call Rose 01706 821 910 or Geoff 07857 610 426
Cheetham Hill call Richard 07760 224 580 or North Manchester Against Wars 07836 223 156
City Centre call Mark 07765 122 829
Universities call Andy 07825 158 944
Chorlton call Mark 07765 122 829
Rusholme call Nahela 07988 572 976
Stockport Call Sheila - 07803 928 778 or Ann - 07775 605 062
Bury coach:
6.45 am Rochdale Town hall Square
7.00 Bury Art Gallery, Moss Street
7.10, Whitefield Metrolink Station
Tickets £20.00 - cheques payable to Bury Stop the War Coalition.
Booking seats Rose - 01706 821910
Cheetham coach
7am Khizra Mosque, corner of Brideoak St / Cheetham Hill Road, Cheetham Hill
For tickets: North Manchester Against Wars 07836 223 156
Richard 07760 224 580. You can book online.
South Manchester Coaches pick up at 7am
City Centre - Chorlton St (opposite the coach station) Central Manchester
University - University of Manchester Student Union, Oxford Rd
Rusholme - Jaffa Cafe, Oxford Rd.
Chorlton - Chorlton Library, Manchester Rd
Stockport - Stockport Town Hall.
3. Public Seminars on Iraq in Manchester - 10th - 14th March 2008
A week of public seminars and events at Manchester University
Includes:
Anne Alexander (SOAS), on:'Regime Change from Below: Hidden Histories of the Iraqi Revolution of 1958'.
Mark Krantz (Stop the War Coalition), on: 'The World Against War'
Sami Ramadani on: 'US Strategy in Iraq and the Middle East'.
Full details here.
Stop the War News
Publicise Widely
1.Troops Out! Marches in Manchester this Friday & Saturday
2. Levenshulme Public Meeting at Madinah Mosque on Sunday
3. Cheetham Public Meeting with Galloway & Al Tikriti Weds 20th Feb
4. World Against War Peace Rally with Lebanese & Iraqi speakers 1st March
5. March 15th, National Demonstration coach details
6. Reports Where were you on the biggest march ever in Britain - Feb 15th 2003
1.Troops Out! marches in Manchester this Friday & Saturday
TROOPS OUT NOW! Stop the killing march and procession. Five years ago over a million of us marched against an attack on Iraq. Five years on and over 1 million have been killed in Iraq! And the killing continues - it must be stopped! Join the marches led by coffins draped in flags to represent all those who have died. Wear black, join our procession, and remember all those killed in the conflict: Iraqis, Afghanis, Palestinians, Lebanese, Somalians, and British and American troops. In Manchester we have organised two peace marches
Friday 15th February
Assemble - 1.30pm UMSU Oxford Rd
Manchester's University students and supporters. www.umsuactivist.org
Saturday 16th February
Assemble. 1pm All Saints. Oxford Rd.
March around the City Centre to a rally in the Peace Gardens at 2pm
2. Levenshulme Public Meeting at Madinah Mosque
Get ALL the Troops Out! Solidarity With the Palestinians! No to Islamophobia!
1.30pm Sunday 17th February at Madinah Mosque
Islamic Centre 2 Barlow Rd. Levenshulme M19
speakers
Nasir Hazis, Lawyer and chair of Heaton Muslims Community Trust
Ron Senchak, ex Vietnam sailor and peace activist
Nahela Ashraf, chair Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition and others
3. Cheetham Public Meeting
Bring ALL the Troops home - Don't Attack Iran - End the siege of Gaza7.30pm Wednesday 20th February. Saffron, Cheetham Hill Road.
Speakers:
Anas Al-Tikriti - British Muslim Initiative
Rae Street - Greater Manchester CND
George Galloway MP
Palestinian speaker from Gaza
STWC speaker
www.mancsagainsttanks.org
4. World Against War Peace Rally
World Against War Public Rally, 3pm Sat 1st MarchFriends Meeting House, Mount St. Manchester, (opposite Central Library)
Doors open 2-30pm. Speakers include:
Hassan Juma, President, Iraqi Oil Workers Union
Ibrahim Mousawi the editor of Al Intiqad, Hezbollah's newspaper
Andrew Murray, Chair Stop the War Coalition. & others
5. March 15th, National Demonstration coach details
Demonstrate. Saturday 15 March 2008. London. www.stopwar.org.ukTroops Out of Iraq and Afghanistan! Don't Attack Iran! End the Siege of Gaza!
Called by the Stop the War Coalition with CND and the British Muslim Initiative to mark the fifth anniversary of the invasion.
The demonstration will coincide with World Against War marches around the world agreed at the International Peace Conference in London on December 1st
Greater Manchester Stop the War Coaches.
Ticket prices vary according to income and location.
£10 students/unwaged: £15 - £20 waged : Solidarity £25 : Trades Union £30
7am depart from Manchester destinations to
London for march and rally. (leave London 5pm back for 10pm approx)
Book a seat by phone, letter, email
Send cheques to 'GMAW', PO Box 111 Chorlton. M21 0AA
Call to book a seat and for more details.
Bolton call Neil 07931 382 983
Bury call Rose 01706 821 910
Cheetham Hill call Richard 07760 224 580 or North Manchester Against Wars 07836 223 156
Prestwich & Whitefield call Geoff 07857 610 426
City Centre call Mark 07765 122 829
Universities call Andy 07825 158 944
Chorlton call Mark 07765 122 829
Rusholme & Levenshulme call Nahela 07988 572 976
Stockport Call Sheila - 07803 928778 or Ann - 07775 605062
General details call Mark 07765 122 829
6. Reports from the Mancunians who joined the biggest march ever in Britain (Send us your recollections to add to our archive).
Five years ago thousands of Manchester people traveled down to London to join the biggest protest march ever in British history. On February 15th 2003 over a million people marched demanding: No Attack on Iraq! Freedom for Palestine!
People will never forget that day. Afterwards, many lives were changed, many people got more involved in campaigns and activity. The political landscape in Britain shook. Tony Blair, then prime minister, had to face the fact that people did not believe him, or agree with his war plans. Since then the peace movement has since grown in strength across the City. Manchester now has its own peace marches, we have had Military Families peace camps, and coaches are again being booked for the demonstration to mark the fifth anniversary of the attack on Iraq on Saturday 15th March 2008.
Five years on and public opposition to war has grown. Two thirds now say that all our troops should come home from Afghanistan, as well as from Iraq. Rather than bringing 'peace and stability' to the region as promised, the war has been a complete and 'bloody' disaster. Latest reports show that over 1million Iraqis have been killed, nearly 4,000 US troops, and over 150 British soldiers have lost their lives.
Where are those who marched that day? Looking back what do they think now Face Book has a special page from Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition with records peoples 'stories. Here is a selection.
Tahnia Hafeez was a university student in 2003, intent on changing the world and making it better. She recalls, "On February 15th I was at the march of course, talking about the next thing we would do, the next protest to go on. Today I still believe the world will change for the better, so long as there are people working for its betterment."
Edward Egan is now retired and a member of Pax Christi. He joined the Stop the War Coalition coaches from Manchester to demonstrate against the war in Iraq. "It seems our Government had already decided to join Bush in the war." Like many Edward believes "the war was all about securing oil for the West" He continues, "We have still not been told the whole truth about what went on. Why can't the British Public have a public enquiry into this whole affair?"
Alan Joiner was at school in 2003. He joined the march and made it to Hyde Park corner. "After that day, me and my friend tried to organise a walkout at school when the bombing started. We were threatened with expulsion by the Headteacher! But our stance has been proved right. Now I am a student at Manchester University and still involved in Stop the War.
Rhetta Moran of Chorlton was with an international group of refugees from Manchester marching in London. "How many more refugees have been created because of this war?" she asks. "History has proved us right but the government did no listen then. How can we make them listen now?"
Geoff Brown was there. "On the demo in London much of the time I was stuck in Shaftesbury Avenue . An incredible sound of hundreds of thousands of people in front and behind me - never was it better to be stuck and not moving!". Geoff is Secretary, Manchester Trades Council.
With a government which refused to listen the anti war movement brought a new generation of younger women into political activity for the first time.
Jenny Lennox recalls, "on that march I was inspired by all the people there. I decided to get more involved, and on a bigger scale. As a result I became more active in the union movement, and in the Labour Party." Jenny is now standing for Council in forthcoming May elections.
Nahella Ashraf is Chair of Stop the War in Manchester. She helped organise the coaches from the Rusholme and Withington area to the demonstration. "It was the first time I had done anything like that and I really believed we were going to stop the war. It was a shock to find that so many people marching together could be ignored by the government. Like so many people it made me think about who's really speaking up for ordinary people like myself. "It made me question the role of our politicians and understand that if I wanted to live in a world where people mattered before profit I had to get involved politically. I never thought we would still be marching five years later but I'm proud to say that we will keep marching until all the troops are home.". Nahella went on to stand for the Respect Coalition in the Rusholme ward.
John Leech was a Liberal Democrat Councilor in 2003. He benefited from the strong anti war mood in South Manchester's Withington constituency. He took the seat from Labour's Keith Bradley in a shock turn around. As MP John Leech continues to march for peace and he is a supporter of the Stop the War Coalition.
Ameen Hadi remembers what it was like in Oldham at that time, when the British National Party were sowing seeds of division and hatred. "We brought four coaches down to the march from Oldham that day. The anti war movement at that time showed the sort of unity needed to undermine the racist BNP who were growing around that time. Looking back, we turned a corner that day. We saw that we could get the sort of unity needed to isolate the racists and fascists."
The Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition Face Book Page is open to anyone to view. Go to http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10062976966&ref=share
This email is from Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition To unsubscribe email krantz.mark@googlemail.com
Not One More Dead!
Manchester Peace March with Coffins--Feb 16th 2008
Official figure now confirm that 1 million have died as a direct result of the attack and occupation of Iraq. We are a ask people at work, school or college to wear anti-war badges and/or black armbands on Feb 15th. In Manchester we have organised two peace marches 'with coffins'. Join the processions led by coffins draped in flags of the world. Wear black armbands.
Friday 15th February.
Manchester's University students and supporters unite and march down Oxford Rd to the Army recruitment office.
Saturday 16th February.
Assemble for march, 1pm All Saints.
March led by Military Families Against the War, around the city centre to a rally in Peace Gardens.
Stop the War News
1. End the Siege of Gaza! Protest Solidarity with Palestine!
Northern Demonstration
Saturday 2nd Feb. 12 noon.
BBC Building, Oxford Road, Manchester.
Action Palestine, with the support of Stop the War and Palestine Solidarity Campaign, has called a northern demonstration in solidarity with the people of Gaza. The Israeli blockade of Gaza has made life in the world's most densely populated region even worse of recent weeks, as they use collective punishment to force an end to resistance and the overthrow of the democratically-elected Hamas government.
This is happening under the approving eye of Bush and Brown. Demonstrate on Saturday and show the government that the people of this country want an end to the siege of Gaza and freedom for Palestine!
For more info please visit www.actionpalestine.org End the Siege on Gaza! has been added to the demands of the national demonstration on 15th March To join the International Day of Action on January 22nd contact Action Palestine to get the coach from Manchester to go to London. Leaves from outside the Students' union at 9am. returning on the same day. Student tickets: £5. Call 07825 158 944
See Gearie's photos of the Action Palestine Demo 02/02/08 in Manchester.
2. Four Public Meetings
Stoke. 6pm Friday 25th Jan.
World Against War. Troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan! Don't attack Iran!
Staffordshire University : IT003 Lecture Theatre. Ashley Building . Leek Road. Stoke on Trent
speakers: Mark Fisher MP, Assed Baig, & Chris Nineham
Eccles. 7-30pm Thurs 31st January
World Against War. Troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan! Don't attack Iran!
Salford Link. Bright Road, Eccles. Co-sponsored with Salford Unison.
Andrew Murray, national chair Stop the War Coalition.
Lily Walker - Military Families Against the War. Ray Walker, secretary, Salford Unison.
Nahela Ashraf , chair Manchester STWC.
Manchester's Universities. 2pm Wed 6th Feb.
IRAN & PAKISTAN ; NEW FRONTS IN THE WAR ON TERROR
University of Manchester & Manchester Metropolitan University joint Meeting
K2, MMU Students Union, Oxford Road
Speakers: Dr Eleheh Povey (author of 'Women work and Islamism Ideology & resistance in Iran),
Jeremy Corbyn MP, & Chris Nineham, national officer STWC.
Bury. Wed 6th Feb.
World Against War. Troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan! Don't attack Iran!
Speakers include Dr Eleheh Povey.
3. MAKE FEBRUARY 15th 'IRAQ DAY'
February 15, the anniversary of the 2 million march, has been named Iraq Day. In London 10 marchers from February 2003 will take a letter to Gordon Brown explaining why they will be marching again this year. Sign the letter to Brown at http://tinyurl.com/yres94
Ask people at your work/school or college to wear anti-war badges and/or black armbands. In Manchester we have organised two peace marches 'with coffins' Join the processions led by coffins draped in flags of the world. Wear black armbands.
Friday 15th February Manchester's University students and supporters unite and march down Oxford Rd to the Army recruitment office. Saturday 16th February Assemble for march, 1pm All Saints. March led by Military Families Against the War, around the city centre to a rally in Peace Gardens
4. Trades Union resolution for Stop the War march and Rally
This branch notes that:
1. Five years ago the we saw the biggest protest this country has ever seen when up to 2 million marched in opposition to an attack on Iraq. We were told then by those who launched the war that it would bring peace, stability and democracy to the middle East.
2. That since then; in Iraq up to a million have been killed and four million have fled leaving a humanitarian disaster; in Afghanistan British soldiers are bogged down in a war, which is opposed by two thirds of the people in Britain who believe that our troops should come home; in both the Lebanon and in Pakistan there is greater instability; the prospects for the Palestinian people have deteriorated, particularly in Gaza which faces a siege which is leading to a humanitarian disaster.
3. That our union is a national affiliate to the Stop the War Coalition who have organised in Manchester a World Against War rally on 1st March, including speaker Hassan Juma, president of the Iraqi Oil Workers Union, which is opposed to the privatisation of Iraq's oil, and to the continuing occupation of Iraq.
4. That our union is opposed to privatisation of services here in Britain.
5. That on the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, the Stop the War Coalition along with CND and the British Muslim Initiative have called a national demonstration in London on 15th March calling for Troops Out of Iraq and Afghanistan! No Attack on Iran! to which Greater Manchester STWC are sending coaches from across the region.
This branch resolves to:
1. Support the 1st March rally in Manchester, and the national demonstration on 15th March and to send a delegation with our union banner to both events.
2. Inform our members of these events with leaflets, and through email etc.
3. Contribute £........... to help pay for the fares of those from the middle East and the USA speaking at the World Against War rally.
4. Buy ........... seats at £50 each for members to travel down to join the 15th March demonstration.
(Finance - Make cheques to 'GMAW" send to Stop the War Treasurer. PO Box 111. Chorlton Manchester M21 0AA)
5. World Against War Public Rally
3pm Sat 1st March.
Friends Meeting House, Mount St. Manchester, (opposite Central Library)
Doors open 2-30pm. Speakers include:
Hassan Juma, President, Iraqi Oil Workers Union
Johnny Rico, US soldier who refused to fight in Afghanistan
Ibrahim Mousawi the editor of Al Intiqad, Hezbollah's newspaper
Andrew Murray, Chair Stop the War Coalition
6. Five years after the invasion
Demonstrate. Saturday 15 March 2008. London.Troops Out of Iraq and Afghanistan! Don't Attack Iran! End the Siege of Gaza!
Called by the Stop the War Coalition with CND and the British Muslim Initiative to mark the fifth anniversary of the invasion.
The demonstration will coincide with World Against War marches around the world agreed at the International Peace Conference in London on December 1st It will be calling for all foreign troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and demanding there is no attack on Iran.
From across Greater Manchester Stop the War will be sending coaches. Coach details call Mark 07765 122 829.
Karen Reissmann Update
Lobby Ivan Lewis, MP and Minister for Mental Health
Friday 25th January
5pm. at Labour Party offices, 381 Bury New Rd, Prestwich, M25 1AW
Health workers and users will lobby Ivan Lewis MP and Minister for mental health at 5pm on Friday 25th January. This is part of the ongoing protest about the cuts in Manchester’s community mental health teams and the sacking of their union rep, Karen Reissmann.
Last year nurses took over 5 weeks strike over Karen’s dismissal.
Karen is a nurse and member of UNISON’s national health executive. She was sacked for speaking out about cuts and privatisation. She is supported by colleagues, users, trade unionists and members of the public. “We remain determined to fight both over our services and our right to speak out,” said Vall Midson, UNISON steward.
For further information please contact: Andy Gill UNISON regional office 0161 211 1000. Or Karen Reissmann, branch chair 07972 120 451. Caroline Bedale, branch secretary 07931 152 001*__
Manchester Community and Mental Health Branch. Union office, Chorlton House, 70 Manchester Rd, Manchester M21 9UN. 07972 120 451 unison@zen.co.uk http://www.reinstate-karen.org
Download leaflet for lobby of Ivan Lewis MP.
Vote for Rose Gentle
Rose Gentle has been nominated for the Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year 2007 award. Since 2004 when her son Gordon was killed in Iraq she has maintained a tireless campaign for justice for Gordon and for all British forces deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
To support Rose's nomination please visit the following webpage: http://tinyurl.com/28vq5r
February 1th-13TH Join Rose at the Lords
Earlier this year Rose finally heard the inquest into Gordon's death which confirmed the failures of the MoD and vindicated her campaign for improved safety protection for troops. Rose will be visiting the House of Lords on February 11th - 13th to pursue the Military Families legal action to force a public inquiry into the Iraq war. If you would like to Join Rose at the Law Lords please email: contact@mfaw.org.uk
Demonstrate on Saturday March 15th
Rose and other members of Military Families will also be attending the National Demonstration to mark the 5th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq on Saturday 15th March 2008 in Central London. For more information visit: http://www.stopwar.org.uk
Five years after the invasion
Demonstrate for Troops Out!
London, Saturday 15 March 2008
Five years after the invasion of Iraq the world has become much more dangerous and volatile. Latest estimates suggest as many as one million have died violent deaths as a result of the occupation of Iraq. The country's infrastructure and civil society are in shreds. Brown has promised British withdrawals but there are still 5,000 British soldiers in Iraq.
Despite talk of a change of attitude to the Bush's wars, Brown is Bush's key partner in NATO's escalation in Afghanistan, and that hidden war is fast becoming a disaster mirroring that in Iraq. Meanwhile the political chaos in Pakistan is partly a product of the War on Terror and risks further military interventions. The Stop the War Coalition has joined with CND in calling a demonstration to mark the fifth anniversary of the invasion in London on Saturday March 15.
The demonstration will coincide with World Against War marches around the world agreed at the International Peace Conference in London on December 1st. It will be calling for all foreign troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and demanding there is no attack on Iran. Stop the War is asking all groups to start mobilising for this demonstration now. More details and a leaflet will be available shortly.
Solidarity Rally for Karen Reissmann
Karen Loses Appeal
There will a solidarity rally with Karen Reissmann and her Unison colleagues in Piccadilly Gardens, tomorrow, Tuesday 11th December, 6.00 p.m.
The bosses at the Community Mental Health Trust, true to form, today confirmed Karen's sacking after spending a week pretending to take Karen''s appeal seriously. Angry pickets waiting outside the Trust building shouted their defiance and determination to keep up the fight.
Bring union banners and placards – and friends and workmates.
Reinstate Karen Reissmann
National Solidarity Day - Wednesday 5th Dec
Karen Reissmann:
* a nurse and a trade unionist for 25 years.
* promoted 15/6/07 and suspended 15/6/07.
* sacked 5/11/07 for speaking out against cuts and privatisation.
* sacked 5/11/07 for telling people she was suspended and that she was innocent.
UNISON health executive have called a “Solidarity Day” on Wednesday 5th December to support Karen and 150 of her colleagues who are on indefinite strike for her reinstatement. This is during her appeal and one month after her sacking. It is suggested supporters have lunchtime protests at hospitals and other workplaces. This will be happening across the country and is already planned for North Manchester General Hospital, MRI, Wythenshawe Hospital, Harpurhey social services, Manchester Town Hall, and more.
Even a small protest with placards saying “XX hospital says don’t silence our NHS workers this Xmas – reinstate Karen Reissmann” in workplaces across the country will have an impact. Please try and set something up locally.
Please email us details of any protest in advance and photos on the day so we can build solidarity scrapbook on reinstatekaren@aol.com
"Silent Nightingales" with health workers and supporters gagged “Don’t silence our NHS staff this Xmas – Reinstate Karen”. Ending with silent protest from 6 – 6.30pm in Albert Sq, Manchester (bring your own gags)
What else can you do?
a) send an email protesting to Sheila Foley, Chief executive of Karen’s trust on Sheila.foley@mhsc.nhs.uk and copy to her union branch unison@zen.co.uk
b) Write to Alan Johnson, secretary of state for health on johnsona@parliament.uk
c) Send a donation to “UNISON Manchester Community and Mental Health”, union office Chorlton House, 70 Manchester Rd, M21 9UN.
d) Invite karen or a striker to address a meeting 07737 300 859.
Solidarity committee - meets every Monday 6pm at Mechanics Institute, corner of Major St and Princess St, Manchester.
Manchester Community and Mental Health
c/o union office, Chorlton House, 70 Manchester Rd, Manchester M21 9UN.
(07990 957 174 reinstatekaren@aol.com
Anti-War International
Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition News
1. World Against War International Peace conference
Sat 1st December
See video clips of all the speakers from this important international conference.Latest international speakers to be confirmed for the conference include Mrs. Marzieh Mortazi Langroudi, a leading member of the Iranian group Mothers against War, Ibrahim Mousawi the editor of Hezbollah's newspaper, and Brigitte Ostmeyer from new German Left party. Speakers from Iraq will include Hasaan Juma from the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions, Jawad Al-Khalisi from the Iraq National Foundation Congress, Hannah Ibrahim from Womens' Will and Iraqi exile Sami Ramadani. Also speaking will be broadcaster and comedian Mark Thomas, Tony Benn, Lindsey German from Stop the War and Craig Murray, former UK ambassador to Uzbekistan. Already registered for the conference are representatives of the antiwar movements in Canada, the USA, South Korea, Poland, the Czech Republic, Greece, Venezuela and many more. With so many delegates coming from across the world For a full speakers list, go to http://tinyurl.com/2d9whw
If you are unable to attend but can support through a financial donation, please make cheques 'GMAW' Send to PO Box 111. Chorlton Manchester M21 OYX.
Coach from Manchester
Transport is arranged from Manchester destinations leaving 7am from Chorlton St Coach Station, City Centre; UMSU Oxford Rd; Chorlton Library, Manchester Rd. Prices for registration costs + coach tickets inclusive: Trades Unions £50; Waged £35; Low waged £30; Students/unwaged £20 Three ways to book. Phone Mark 07765 122 829. By post send cheques to 'GMAW' PO Box 111. Chorlton Manchester M21 OYX.
Download Conference leaflet
2. US Labour Against War Activists Speak Out
Public meeting. Tuesday 4th December.
Mechanics Institute, Major St, off Princess St. Manchester
Two delegates to the World Against War International Peace Conference from US Labor Against War, the 3 million strong anti war trade unionist movement in the USA, are speaking in Manchester. Hear them speak, join the discussion, and show solidarity with US anti war activists and trades unionist.
Nancy Romer is an officer of the PSC union representing the 20,000 university staff across New York City. Her union has mobilized members on demonstrations, and set up workplace-based committees organizing to end the war. She is on the national steering committees of both US Labor Against the War, and United for Peace and Justice.
Mindy Gershon from the United Health Care Workers East, which organises 300,000 health and human service workers in North East USA. Her union mobilized its members to protest against the occupation at all major demonstrations. Mindy is on the national steering committee of US Labor Against the War, and hosted a recent visit to the US from Iraqi trades unionists.
Organised : Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition. Sponsored: Manchester Trades Council, Manchester Community and Mental Health Unison, The Fighting Unions Network.
Details call Mark: 07765 122 829
Respect Crisis
Galloway Praises SWP to the Skies at Marxism 2007 (a mere 4 months ago!)
You only have to watch the first one and a half minutes of this video to see what a dramatic U-turn Galloway has done since July in relation to the SWP. A mere 4 months ago, he warmly congratulates the SWP and says that the Stop the War Coalition and Respect would not be the force that they are without its efforts. Yet, on Saturday 17th November, at a Respect Renewal rally, he splits Respect and now has nothing good to say about them. Go figure.
Welfare not Warfare
Demonstrate!
National Demonstration to Defend Nurse Karen Reissmann
Message from Manchester Trades Union Council
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Victimisation of Karen Reissmann
Union reps must have the right to campaign against cuts. The Human Rights Act brought in by the Labour government establishes freedom of expression as a right in law. Karen works in the NHS, in 2007, in Britain not in Burma . She, like all public service workers, must have the right to speak out without fear of persecution. If she remains sacked it will make all NHS staff and, indeed, all union reps feel much more cautious about saying anything.
UNISON is determined to fight for Karen's reinstatement. 150 members of her branch who work in community mental health teams and crisis resolution teams started an indefinite strike on Thursday 8th November as part of that fight. There are picket lines at North Manchester General Hospital , Manchester Royal Infirmary, Hathersage Rd , and Chorlton House, Manchester Road , Chorlton.
The Solidarity Committee, established with the support of Manchester Trades Council, meets this Monday and every Monday at 6.00 pm in the Mechanic's Institute, Princess Street, Manchester . All union branches are asked to send representatives. All trade unionists welcome.
Wednesday 14th November, 7pm , there will be a solidarity rally at the Mechanics Institute, Manchester.
There will be a branch wide one-day strike in the week beginning Monday 19th November.
On Saturday 24th November there will be a national demonstration in Manchester, assembling at 1pm at Peace Gardens , St Peter's Square, Manchester. Please see attached leaflet.
The union expects to be able to pay very substantial hardship pay to all strikers and will be sending delegations of strikers around the country to speak to other trade unionists and raise money. Donations should be sent to "Manchester Community and Mental Health branch UNISON" c/o union office, Chorlton House, 70 Manchester Rd, Manchester M21 9UN. Please see attached petition.
Requests for speakers to address union meetings should be sent to unison@zen.co.uk. Or ring 07972 120 451.
Protests should be emailed to Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health, johnsona@parliament.uk , copied to unison@zen.co.uk
In solidarity,Geoff Brown
Secretary
Manchester Trades Union Council
Mechanics Institute
Princess Street
Manchester
07857 610 426
Download Demo Leaflet
Meanwhile, Mental Health Boss, Sheila Foley, swans off on holiday to Dubai!
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Karen Reissmann Solidarity
Karen Reissman Solidarity Meeting
Weds 14th Nov 7pm at the Mechanics Institute in Manchester.
Karen Reissmann Solidarity Demo:
24th November 1pm at Peace Gardens Manchester.
Email alan johnson on johnsona@government.uk
Download leaflet and petition against her sacking.6th November 2007. Karen's sacking is the front page story in the Manchester Evening News.
Nurse Karen Reissman Sacked for Defending the NHS!
On Monday November 5th Karen Reissmann, CPN and UNISON branch chair was sacked on 4 counts. Firstly that, when she was interviewed in December 2006 criticising the transfer of NHS work to the voluntary sector, she brought the Trust into disrepute. Secondly, for telling people that she was suspended and what for. Thirdly, for protesting her innocence. Fourthly, for allowing the press to print information, some misleading about her case. The fifth charge of misusing time was dropped. All the charges were gross misconduct and all sackable offences.
UNISON believes this is an absolute disgrace. Union reps must have the right to campaign against cuts and victimisation of our trade union reps. The Human Rights Act brought in by the Labour government allows for freedom of expression. Karen works in the NHS, in 2007, in Britain not Burma – she must have the right to speak out without fear of persecution. If she remains sacked it will make all NHS staff and all trade union reps feel much more cautious about saying anything.
UNISON is determined to fight for Karen’s reinstatement. 150 members of her branch who work in community mental health teams and crisis resolution teams will start an indefinite strike from Thursday 8^th November as part of that fight. There will be picket lines from 8am to 11am at North Manchester General Hospital, MRI Hathersage Rd, and Chorlton House. On Thursday strikers will then meet at 12noon to organise their next activities and march to the strategic Health Authority at Piccadilly.
In 2 weeks we will have a branch wide one-day strike.
We also hope to have a solidarity Rally on Wednesday 14^th November in Manchester in the early evening (details to follow).
We also plan a Saturday demonstration in Manchester (probably 24^th Nov).
We expect to be able to pay very substantial hardship pay to all strikers and will be sending delegations of strikers around the country to speak to other trade unionists and raise money. Already we have had significant promises of money from a number of branches eg Pennine have promised £2000 a month.
If you want to make a donation please send to "Manchester Community and Menatl Health branch UNISON" c/o union office, Chorlton House, 70 Manchester Rd, Manchester M21 9UN. Or if you want a speaker at your next union meeting please contact us on unison@zen.co.uk or 07972 120 451.
Public meeting - "Save our Mental Health Services" Manchester
Wednesday 31 October, 12.30pm, Manchester Town Hall.
For more information contact:
Andy Gill UNISON regional office 0161 211 1000.
Karen Reissmann, branch chair 07972 120 451.
Caroline Bedale, branch sec 0161 203 4702
Nurse Reissmann Suspended
Reinstate Nurse Karen Reissmann!
Demonstrate!
Don't victimise trade unionists
Defend the NHS
Sunday 9th September,
1pm Peace Gardens, St Peters Sq, Manchester
A battle is taking place in Manchester that could determine the future of trade unionism in the NHS. It is a battle that all trade unionists must rally around if they want the right to speak out against cuts and privatisation of public services, without fear of being sacked.
Nearly 700 mental health workers have just concluded their first three-day strike in defence of psychiatric nurse Karen Reissmann, the Unison branch chair who is currently suspended from work, facing possible dismissal. They will start another three-day strike on 10th, 11th and 12th September.
In a long-planned move, bosses have responded by closing wards and shipping patients off to private hospitals all over the country. They want to show a tough face, and clearly regard the strike as a showdown in which the union must be broken because it is an obstacle to their plans.
The strikers have called a demonstration in Manchester on Sunday 9 September and it is vital that trade unionists from across the country answer their appeal.
The brave stand that is being taken in Manchester must be reinforced by delegations and banners. Donations for strike fund to "Manchester Community and Mental Health UNISON" at address below:Manchester Community and Mental Health Branch, c/o union office, Chorlton House, 70 Manchester Rd, Manchester M21 9UN or Karen's solidarity website or 07972 120 451
Respect Wins in Shadwell Election!
Respect
This video shows the happy scenes outside the count in east London as Respect candidate, Harun Bai, defeats the Labour Party in a by-election in Shadwell ward. The following is a report from the Respect web-site
Labour Leader Defeated for Second Time by Respect in East London
10th August 2007
Respect won the Shadwell by-election in Tower Hamlets, East London yesterday defeating former Labour council leader Micheal Keith's attempt at comeback. Keith was first defeated by Respect in last year's council election but was hoping to use the by-election to return to power.
Respect's Harun Miah gained 1,512 votes (43 percent) while New Labour gained 1,415 (40 percent). The Tories gained 476 (13 percent) and the Lib Dems received 98 votes (2 percent).
New Labour mounted a massive effort to try and get Micheal Keith re-elected. Gordon Brown, government ministers, former MP Oona King, and councillors and Labour Party workers from across London were all drafted in to support the campaign in the area.
The Respect vote remained rock solid after a powerful grassroots campaign focusing on housing, privatisation and New Labour's support for the property developers' agenda in Tower Hamlets.
Harun Miah said: "I am overwhelmed by the support local people have given Respect. This result sends a clear message that the people of Tower Hamlets are unhappy with New Labour's policies. I send my condolences to the losing candidates."
This is a humiliating blow to New Labour's wider credibility, not only in Shadwell. It clearly indicates that people want an alternative to privatisation, war and the housing crisis, and that where Respect stands in elections and campaigns around these issues, Respect is that alternative.
The win is a major boost for Respect in the Greater London Authority (GLA) elections next year, as we continue to build support both in East London and in all the constituencies across London.
Gordon Brown's Katrina
War, Climate Change, Flooding and Water Privatisation
As much of England lay under water yesterday for the second time in a month, climate scientists confirmed what most of us already know, that the unprecedented rainfall in June and July is the result of climate change caused by human activity. Like Hurricane Katrina, the storm which killed more than 1,800 people and destroyed large parts of New Orleans in 2005, the floods this summer are an example of the extreme weather events we’ll see more of as global warming increases.
Also like Hurricane Katrina, the floods this summer have seen ordinary people left to bear the brunt of a natural disaster exacerbated by a government more interested in private profit than public services.
The US government had been warned years before Katrina that the levées in New Orleans needed major work, but the vast sums spent on the war on Iraq left little for flood defences. Here, it’s emerged that New Labour knew three years ago that plans to deal with flooding were ‘complex, confusing and distressing for the public’ and that overall control by the Environment Agency was needed. The government’s response was to cut jobs in the agency, part of Gordon Brown’s privatisation-led attacks on civil service jobs, pay and pensions. In the wake of the flooding, Brown has now promised an additional £250 million for the Environment Agency over three years to improve flood defences, but the agency says it needs £1 billion a year. It seems New Labour can find £8 billion for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, or £76 billion for Trident, but preventing floods has a rather lower priority.
The underlying problem is that drainage systems haven’t been expanding to keep pace with new development, increased water use or more intense rainfall, so as our weather gets more extreme, the drains are less able to cope. The privatised water companies are obliged to repair the existing sewage systems, but they don’t have to provide new capacity. Ofwat, the water industry regulator, has been unwilling to make them, as it says water bills would have to go up to pay for it.
In our privatised public services, it is of course unthinkable that the water companies could be made to dip into their own pockets to protect their customers from flooding, even though they could certainly afford it. Severn Trent, responsible for some of the worst affected areas, saw their profits increase by 9.5% last year to £252 million, while Thames Water (who are also part of the failed Metronet consortium on the London Tube) enjoyed a massive 31% increase to £346.5 million.
Incredibly, Housing Minister Yvette Cooper says that the government won’t stop house building on flood plains, as flood plains are needed for affordable housing. Apparently, people who can’t afford anything else have to put up with the risk of flooding, for which they will be increasingly unable to get insurance, while those rich enough can live on higher ground. The floods are set to cost insurance companies £2 billion, but the real issue is the thousands of people flooded out who couldn’t afford insurance at all.
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