Senior doctors in England have commenced voting on Monday to determine whether they will go on strike amidst an ongoing disagreement over healthcare pay.
The British Medical Association (BMA) Advisory Committee's chairman, Dr. Vishal Sharma, stated that discussions had taken place with the government in an attempt to resolve the dispute, but so far, no resolution has been reached.
Dr. Sharma, speaking on behalf of the consultants, highlighted that their net salary has decreased by 35% since 2008/09. He emphasized that consultants effectively work four months each year without compensation, a situation that needs to be addressed. The consultants were hopeful of securing a salary offer over the weekend that would alleviate the decline they have experienced.
However, Dr. Sharma expressed disappointment with the government's final offer, which, considering the double-digit inflation, would result in another real wage cut. Consequently, the advisors feel compelled to proceed with the vote on industrial action.
The voting period is open from Monday until June 27, and the BMA is urging its members to vote "yes" in favor of potential strike action. In response, the Department of Health and Social Care urged the BMA to carefully consider the potential impact on patients should a strike occur.
The department acknowledged the NHS counselors' valuable work and pointed out that they received a 4.5% pay increase in the previous financial year, with average earnings reaching around £128,000. Additionally, the counselors will benefit from generous pension tax changes and have the opportunity to apply for up to £40,000 per year in additional financial support under the NHS consultant contract.
Meanwhile, nursing strikes are also a possibility, and the nursing union is seeking more collective bargaining. The General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Pat Cullen, expressed a desire to reopen negotiations for a double-digit pay rise, despite previously recommending a lower offer. RCN members voted against the 5% offer, deeming it insufficient.
The RCN will re-evaluate the possibility of strike action on May 23, as the existing six-month mandate expired earlier this month. These developments reflect the challenges faced in the healthcare sector regarding pay disputes, which could potentially impact patient care and services if a resolution is not reached. Photo by KJP1, Wikimedia commons.