Arabic version: أطباء الإقامة في إنجلترا يلغون الإضراب المخطط بعد عرض حكومي جديد
Resident doctors in England have decided to cancel a planned strike set to begin on Monday, June 15. The British Medical Association (BMA) announced that the government made a new offer at the last minute, which will be presented to its members for a vote. The strike was scheduled to last from 07:00 BST on June 15 until 06:59 on June 19, marking the 16th strike in an ongoing dispute over pay.
Health Secretary James Murray described the new offer as a “good deal for resident doctors” and an opportunity to resolve the long-standing disputes that have affected the healthcare system. He emphasized that halting the strike is a positive development, particularly for patients, stating, “The country simply cannot afford to increase the pay offer for this year.”
Dr. Jack Fletcher, chairman of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, expressed that the organization had always been open to cancelling strikes if an appropriate offer was made. He noted that the timing of the offer was less than ideal but acknowledged the government’s shift in position.
The BMA indicated that the new proposal encompasses aspects of jobs, pay, and career progression. Over the past four years, resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, have received pay increases amounting to 33%, including a 3.5% rise this year. Currently, starting salaries exceed £40,000, while senior resident doctors can earn up to £76,500 in basic pay, with additional earnings possible for unsociable hours.
Despite these increases, the BMA argues that resident doctors are still earning about 20% less than they did in 2008 when adjusted for inflation. According to BBC News, the BMA will now present the government’s offer to its members for consideration.
