.jpeg)
Junior doctors in England are gearing up for a five-day strike just before the upcoming election, as their battle with the government over pay continues. Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will commence the strike at 07:00 BST on June 27, a week before the election day. The decision comes after fresh talks in mid-May failed to produce a satisfactory new offer from the government, according to the union.
The BMA is pushing for a 35% pay increase to offset what they argue has been 15 years of below-inflation pay rises. Despite receiving an average pay rise of nearly 9% in the last financial year, junior doctors are adamant about addressing the longstanding pay disparity. Talks stalled last year, even though an additional 3% pay rise was on the table.
This impending strike marks the 11th time junior doctors have taken industrial action since the dispute began in March 2023. The walkout will impact all services, with senior doctors being called upon to fill in, causing significant disruption to elective services like routine surgeries, just days before the general election.
Dr. Robert Laurenson and Dr. Vivek Trivedi, co-chairs of the BMA junior doctors committee, expressed frustration with the lack of progress, emphasizing the need for a fair pay offer from the government. Despite entering mediation with hopes of a resolution, they lamented the absence of a credible offer. They urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to prioritize the NHS and its workforce by addressing the longstanding pay grievances of junior doctors.
Readmore........
