A trans row nurse who objected to sharing a changing room with a transgender doctor has told a tribunal she felt discriminated against by her union, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Sandie Peggie, who worked for NHS Fife for over 30 years, is now pursuing a new legal claim against the RCN, alleging the union failed to adequately support her in her original employment dispute.
Background of the Trans Row Nurse Case
Sandie Peggie won a partial victory against her employer, NHS Fife, in December 2025 when a tribunal upheld her harassment claim against the health board. However, claims of discrimination, indirect discrimination, and victimisation were dismissed. Now, Peggie has turned her attention to her trade union, the RCN, accusing it of discrimination in how it handled her case.
Peggie's Tribunal Testimony Against the RCN
Giving evidence on the first day of the new tribunal, Peggie said she originally spoke to her RCN representative, Stuart Fraser, in January 2024 after being placed on special leave by NHS Fife. She told the tribunal: “I felt like he thought I was being disciplined because I had done something wrong.” Peggie described Fraser as “non-committal” in their first conversation and said he did not seem to agree with her that Dr Beth Upton should not be allowed in female changing areas.
She said she felt she was being discriminated against and that she was not being supported, but acknowledged she did not say this to Fraser at the time. By February 2024, Peggie told the tribunal she had “lost faith” in the RCN.
Union's Denial and Legal Implications
The RCN denies all allegations. The case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding gender identity, workplace rights, and union representation. It also raises questions about how unions balance the rights of all members in contentious disputes.
Key Takeaways from the Tribunal
- Sandie Peggie is suing her union, the RCN, for discrimination.
- She alleges the union failed to support her in her original dispute with NHS Fife.
- Peggie previously won a harassment claim against NHS Fife but lost other claims.
- The RCN denies all allegations.
- The tribunal continues, with further evidence expected.
Comparing the Two Tribunals
| Claim | Against NHS Fife | Against RCN |
|---|---|---|
| Harassment | Upheld | Pending |
| Discrimination | Dismissed | Alleged |
| Indirect Discrimination | Dismissed | Alleged |
| Victimisation | Dismissed | Alleged |
FAQ
What is Sandie Peggie's new tribunal about?
What is Sandie Peggie's new tribunal about?
Sandie Peggie is taking her trade union, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), to an employment tribunal, alleging discrimination and failure to support her in her original dispute with NHS Fife.
What was the outcome of Peggie's first tribunal?
What was the outcome of Peggie's first tribunal?
In December 2025, a tribunal upheld her harassment claim against NHS Fife but dismissed claims of discrimination, indirect discrimination, and victimisation.
What does the RCN say about the allegations?
What does the RCN say about the allegations?
The RCN denies all allegations and is defending its actions at the tribunal.