Trans row nurse tells tribunal union 'failed to help me'

Sandie Peggie, a nurse at the center of a dispute over gender-critical beliefs, told an employment tribunal that she felt "unsupported" and "discriminated against" by a union representative. Peggie is taking legal action against her own union, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), claiming direct discrimination.

Peggie stated that RCN representative Stuart Fraser "wasn't taking it as seriously as I was" when she was placed on special leave by NHS Fife after objecting to sharing a changing room with a transgender medic, Dr Beth Upton. She told the hearing she felt Mr Fraser "thought I was being disciplined because I had done something wrong."

Under questioning, Peggie claimed there was "general chit chat" among NHS Fife staff about being uncomfortable with Dr Upton using female changing rooms. She suggested other staff may not have given evidence due to fear of how they would be treated.

Peggie accepted telling Dr Upton that her presence in the women's changing facilities was "the same when they put a male in a female prison," a comment referencing trans rapist Isla Bryson. Mr Fraser's notes from their conversation indicated the comment "could be seen as discriminatory and is likely what resulted in the (discrimination allegations)" against Peggie.

Peggie's team is expected to argue that the RCN failed to advise her in January 2024 that she had a legal claim against her employer. The case also claims the union refused her request for legal support in January 2025.