Resident doctors in England have voted in favor of strike action due to a long-running pay dispute.
Gatekeepers News reports that despite a 5.4% pay rise this financial year and a 28.9% increase over the last three years, the British Medical Association (BMA) claims wages are still 20% lower in real terms than in 2008.
“We can’t be more generous than we already have,” a government spokesperson said, refusing to reopen pay negotiations. However, BMA’s co-chairs Ross Nieuwoudt and Melissa Ryan are seeking fresh talks to avert a walkout. “Our pay may have declined but our will to fight remains strong,” they said. “All we need is a credible pay offer and nobody need strike.”
The union now has a mandate for possible industrial action until January 2026. Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, warned that strikes could jeopardize efforts to cut waiting lists in England.
