Junior Doctors Plan More Strikes Over Pay Dispute

Junior doctors in the UK are preparing for further strikes next year as the British Medical Association (BMA) proposes a 'bank and build' strategy regarding their pay deal. Despite an average pay rise offer of 22% over two years, the BMA is advocating for a restoration of junior doctors' salaries to 2008 levels. The union's strategy involves accepting the current pay deal while simultaneously gearing up for a new campaign aimed at achieving a total pay restoration by 2027/28, which would require an additional 26.26% increase. The BMA's recently published document outlines the rationale behind this approach, emphasizing the need to secure current gains while pursuing more ambitious goals. It highlights the importance of strengthening workplace organization and actively engaging doctors to ensure maximum participation in potential strikes. The union aims to support members facing financial difficulties and to defend those under pressure from employers, thereby enhancing their negotiating power. In response to these developments, Tory health spokesperson Victoria Atkins criticized the Labour government for allegedly prioritizing union demands over taxpayer affordability. Her comments come in the wake of the Fire Brigades Union's motion to repeal anti-strike laws at the upcoming Trades Union Congress, which seeks to bolster union rights. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has stated that there are "no blank cheques" for public sector pay increases, asserting that Labour leadership, not trade unions, dictates policy. She emphasized the financial implications of meeting the proposed pay demands, which would exceed the budget set by the previous Conservative government by £9.4 billion.