British Medical Association (BMA) calls for junior doctors to strike as government fails to address pay concerns
Junior doctors in England have declared new strike dates ahead of the General Election, citing Rishi Sunak's refusal to address their demands for a roadmap to reclaim lost pay over the past 15 years.
Following three months of discussions with the government, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has failed to present a viable offer to the junior doctors, prompting the British Medical Association (BMA) to call for industrial action.
Despite the impending election, which was announced last week, the BMA extended a final opportunity for the government to make a substantive offer and avoid strikes.
However, with no proposal forthcoming, the junior doctors committee of the BMA has decided to proceed with further strike action in the lead-up to the General Election.
The planned walkout, set to commence at 7 a.m. on June 27, 2024, and conclude at 7 a.m. on July 2, 2024, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute over fair pay and working conditions.
Dr. Robert Laurenson and Dr. Vivek Trivedi, co-chairs of the BMA's junior doctors committee, voiced their frustration with the government's lack of response.
"We made clear to the Government that we would strike unless discussions ended in a credible pay offer," they stated.
The call for action underscores the junior doctors' enduring plea for Sunak to address their grievances and restore their pay to pre-loss levels.
The failure of recent mediation talks to yield tangible results has only intensified the resolve of junior doctors, who feel increasingly disillusioned by the government's inaction.
Dr. Laurenson and Dr. Trivedi emphasised the urgency of the situation, urging Sunak to demonstrate his commitment to the NHS workforce.
