Introduction to the Strike
The British Medical Association has announced a new round of strikes in England in the long-running pay dispute. Junior doctors will stage a five-day strike starting December 17th. This is the 14th strike by the doctors’ union since March 2023 and is expected to cause significant disruption, particularly in hospitals.
Reaction from NHS Bosses
NHS bosses said it was a “seditious act” by the BMA as the run-up to Christmas is always challenging. However, the union said it had no choice because it did not receive a credible offer from the government.
Impact of the Strike
Resident physicians make up nearly half of the medical workforce and range from doctors just out of college to doctors with up to a decade of experience. They will leave both emergency and routine care and senior doctors will be brought in to provide care. Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals, said: “This is an inflammatory act by the BMA.”
Reasons for the Strike
Everyone knows that we need all hands on board in the run-up to Christmas. It’s really important to be able to discharge as many patients as possible so they can be home with their loved ones if necessary. It is completely unfair to patients and other NHS staff. Both sides need to come back to the table to break the deadlock.
Previous Negotiations
The strike follows a five-day strike last month after talks between the government and the union collapsed. The government had made an offer to doctors that included creating more training places, improving working conditions and supporting them with their own costs such as examination fees. However, the BMA rejected this, stating that any deal must include a pay rise.
Government’s Stance
Health Minister has claimed he will not negotiate pay after practicing doctors received pay rises totaling almost 30% in the last three years. However, the union argues that despite the pay increases, resident doctors’ salaries are still a fifth lower than in 2008 when inflation is taken into account.
Union’s Response
Dr. said the union had had no choice as the government had failed to put forward a credible plan. But he added: “This one [strikes] don’t have to continue. A gradual increase in salaries over a few years and some sensible solutions to job security for our doctors are well within reach for this government.”
Conclusion
Health Minister said: “The BMA has clearly chosen to strike when there is maximum disruption, which is causing untold concern.” Patients and NHS staff deserve better than this cynical attempt to ruin Christmas. The BMA’s strike mandate ends in early January, but it has announced it will hold another membership vote.
