Nurse claims union discriminated against her over transgender changing-room dispute

In a Dundee employment tribunal, nurse Sandie Peggie testified that a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) representative, Stuart Fraser, treated her complaints about sharing a women’s changing room with a transgender junior doctor as insignificant, contributing to her feeling unsupported and discriminated against. Peggie, who was placed on special leave by NHS Fife, claims the union’s lack of advice and refusal to provide legal support amounted to direct discrimination because of her gender-critical beliefs.

The tribunal had earlier found the health board liable for harassment but dismissed her broader discrimination claims. Email evidence presented by RCN lawyer David Hay showed senior officer Gillian Tate pushing the health board for clearer single-sex facility guidance after a Supreme Court decision. Peggie also referenced a comparison to a high-profile trans prisoner case, which the union noted could be seen as discriminatory. The case continues before judge Melanie Sangster.