Mental health bosses in Manchester have agreed to review a controversial reorganisation, which lead to a strike and the sacking of a union rep.

More than a hundred members of the union UNISON will return to work on Monday after a five week walk-out in support of their victimised colleague Karen Reissmann.

Karen, a nurse, was sacked for speaking to the media about the transfer of NHS care to the voluntary sector leading to worse conditions for mental health workers.

As part of a return-to-work agreement management at the Chorlton-based Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust will meet UNISON representatives to discuss the union members'concerns.

The reorganisation, called Change in Mind, was introduced in August 2007.

It meant that crisis resolution and assertive outreach teams were increased, using money saved by massively cutting the ten community mental health teams.

Karen said: "The management made a commitment to UNISON reps in negotiations to have an urgent review of the implementation of Change in Mind and the problems that have arisen as a result.

"A UNISON rep has been asked to provide a list of our concerns for a meeting on Monday, December 17. After that there will be daily meetings to review the return to work.

"Without the strike we would never have achieved this. My colleagues have got the message through to management. They can return to work with their heads held high."

Karen lost an appeal against dismissal last week. UNISON is planning to take her case to an employment tribunal and to continue a political campaign for her reinstatement.

Seven of the strikers have volunteered to become new union reps to carry on Karen's work in the trust.

UNISON health executive have called a national "Solidarity Day" on Wednesday 5th December in support of sacked nurse Karen Reissmann and 150 of her colleagues who are on indefinite strike for her reinstatement.
This will take place during her appeal and is exactly one month after she was sacked. Across the UK, supporters will have lunchtime protests at hospitals and
other workplaces demanding Karen's reinstatement.
It is already  planned for North Manchester General Hospital, MRI, Wythenshawe Hospital,  Harpurhey social services, Manchester Town Hall, and more in  Manchester.
We know of Leicester, London, Glasgow, Gwent, Liverpool, Bolton and  many more
*"Silent Nightingales"* with health workers and supporters gagged
 "Don't  silence our NHS staff this Xmas – Reinstate Karen".
Ending the day  with silent protest from 6 – 6.30pm in Albert Sq, Manchester.
The 150 community mental health team UNISON members who are on indefinite strike will be joined by all Karen's branch of 700 mental health staff who will be on strike for the day.
Karen's sacking has implications for health workers, public sector workers, trade unionists, users of our public services everywhere, journalists etc.
If dissent is suppressed in the public services, staff will be unable to debate the merits of any proposals and we will all be the worse off.
Karen - 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.
For more information contact UNISON regional office 0161 211 1000.

Thanks to everyone who turned out for the benefit gig at the Embassy Club.

Especially Attila, Bar, and Sean who performed.

And Kay who did the door.

There's a report here: http://action-without-theory.blogspot.com/2007/12/i-swear-i-was-there.html

The Embassy Club is on Rochdale Road, which is the road that leads out of Manchester to Middleton. And into Manchester from junction 18 of the M60. It is in the district of Harpurhey almost opposite McDonald's. There is a big free car park on the other side of McDonald's (by the Asda garage.)
Doors open 7pm. Love Music Hate Racism are running a stall.
Running order:
7.45-8.05 - Manchester Irish comedian Sean O'Shaughnessy.
8.15-8.45 - singer songwriter James 'Bar' Bowen
8.55-9.00 - Karen Reissmann speaks
9.00-Close - Attila the Stockbroker

Two new acts have been added to the line up for the Reinstate Karen Reissmann solidarity gig on Sunday.

Singer songwriter James 'Bar' Bowen and Manchester Irish comedian Sean O'Shaughnessy will be supporting veteran punk poet Attila the Stockbroker.

The gig is on Sunday December 2 at the Embassy Club, Rochdale Road, Harpurhey (opposite McDonalds), Manchester. Doors open 7pm. Admission £5 waged, £2 unwaged, and free to strikers.

Attila and James both have myspace pages.