Consultant doctors in England to stage 2-day strike over pay, working conditions

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Consultant doctors in England will stage a two-day strike on Nov. 25 and 26 over pay and working conditions, the British Medical Association (BMA) announced Monday.

Consultants will provide emergency cover during the walkout, with staffing similar to Christmas Day and significant disruption expected to routine appointments and planned procedures.

In a joint statement, BMA consultants committee co-chairs Dr. Helen Neary and Dr. Shanu Datta said they had attempted to negotiate with the government in “good faith,” but that “time-and-time again ministers have kicked the can down the road.”

“Unfortunately, that road has now run out, and we have been forced to announce strikes,” they said.

Consultants received a 3.5% pay increase this year. However, the BMA argues that their pay has fallen by a quarter over the past 17 years when adjusted for inflation.

The union is also seeking a reduction in the standard working week from 40 to 35 hours, higher pay for out-of-hours work and changes to pension arrangements, including greater flexibility over when pensions can be taken.

The union said 76% of consultants who participated in the strike ballot voted in favor of industrial action, with just over half of eligible BMA members taking part.

The government said this amounted to around one in five consultants employed by the National Health Service (NHS) in England, noting that nearly half of consultants are not BMA members.

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper described the strike announcement as “disappointing,” saying the government had been engaged in “constructive discussions” with the union. She called the planned action “irresponsible” and warned it would place the health service under greater pressure.

Aysu Biçer