- Junior doctors to strike again
- Government offer deemed insufficient
- Health Secretary seeks resolution
Once again, junior doctors will go on strike later this month.
They will stage a walkout from 24 to 28 February, according to the British Medical Association.
The union stated that the government “failed to meet the deadline to present an improved pay offer,” but that “a credible offer is made” that could still result in the cancellation of the strikes.
Dr Vivek Trivedi and Dr Robert Laurenson, co-chairs of the BMA junior doctors’ committee, said in a statement: “We have attempted to avoid strike action while working with the government to find a fair resolution to this dispute.”
They further stated that they find the government’s glacial pace of progress frustrating and inexplicable.
During our most recent action, the health secretary made it abundantly clear in interviews with the media that she would meet with us ‘in twenty minutes’ if there were to be no strikes. She explicitly stated that she intended to present an additional offer.”
“More than two decades elapsed before we were extended an invitation to a meeting with a minister. It was not with the health secretary at the time, and no offer was on the table.
“That which could have been used to negotiate with us, or at the very least with the Treasury and the prime minister, for the authority to present a credible offer has been lost.”
“We have maintained our stance since the inception of the industrial action that strike action is unnecessary provided that substantial progress is achieved. We are still prepared to continue discussions and rescind any upcoming strikes in the event that substantial progress is achieved and a credible offer is presented.”
The BMA stated that the upcoming round of strikes would conclude their current term with members. But we are already conducting elections for an additional six months.
Secretary of Health Victoria Atkins stated, “I am committed to resolving the strike action through a reasonable resolution.
“The instigated action by the BMA Junior Doctor Committee does not necessarily indicate their willingness to adopt a rational stance.”
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“They were prepared to accept an additional pay increase of up to 10.3%, which we had already granted.”
“They declined our entreaty to present an offer to their members.”
“We are also open to additional dialogue regarding ways to enhance the working conditions of doctors and the broader workforce.”
“My priority should be the reduction of patient wait times as opposed to engaging in industrial action.”
“We have made progress as waiting lists have decreased for the past three consecutive months.”
“The NHS will be subjected to tremendous pressure for five days of action, which is not conducive to constructive dialogue.”
“In order to advance the cause, I request that the Junior Doctors’ Committee revoke their action and reconvene in order to devise a course of action that benefits both patients and the National Health Service.”
