Rally in support of sacked union rep Charlotte Monro, as tribunal postponed

More than 50 people gathered in support of sacked union rep Charlotte Monro at the start of her employment tribunal hearing in east London.

An occupational therapist and moving and handling co-ordinator, Monro was dismissed on October 30 2013, after working at Whipps Cross hospital for the past 26 years.

The dismissal followed an investigation that began after she addressed the local Waltham Forest scrutiny committee in her capacity as a union rep.

A charge that she had brought the Barts Health trust into disrepute was later dropped on appeal but the grounds of breaching confidentiality and non-disclosure of previous convictions were upheld. Hence the employment tribunal hearing.

Monro is being backed by Unison. “We call on the trust to reconsider its decision to dismiss such a long serving and valued health service worker and union official, and to recognise the impact this has on the wider workforce morale and the reputation of the trust. .No employer should be allowed to act in this way,” said Dave Prentis, the general secretary of Unison

Addressing the rally outside the tribunal, Norma Dudley of Waltham Forest Save Our NHS declared that it was important to support staff when they spoke out. “Staff tell managers who escalate complaints up to the chief executive level, they then squash them. That is why trade unions are so important,” said Ms Dudley. “Charlotte stood out on these issues.”

 

She added: that: “the message is that the public will support staff when they speak out.”

A nurse called Andy told of “compulsory 12 hour shifts, unpaid overtime, with nurses going home in tears.”

The hearing itself was adjourned, having been scheduled to run for four days, due to the unavailability of the tribunal judges for the full period. It will recommence in January.

*see report of 22 Jan 2014 for further details of case.


- "Workers rally behind sacked NHS rep" - morning star - 24/9/2014