Arabic version: الأطباء المقيمون في إنجلترا يخططون لإضراب لمدة ستة أيام بسبب نزاع على الأجور

Resident doctors in England are set to initiate a six-day strike starting at 07:00 GMT on 7 April, following a breakdown in negotiations with the government. This action, announced by the British Medical Association (BMA), is a response to what the union describes as inadequate measures addressing their pay claims and job shortages. The strike will commence immediately after the Easter bank holiday weekend and marks the 15th walkout since March 2023.

According to BBC News, the negotiations faltered after the government proposed a 3.5% pay rise for doctors, a recommendation made by the independent pay review body. The BMA criticized this increase as a “crushing blow,” arguing that it does not sufficiently compensate for ongoing inflation, which is anticipated to rise due to global events.

Dr. Jack Fletcher from the BMA emphasized that the offered pay increase would only contribute to further pay erosion, as many doctors are leaving the UK for better opportunities abroad. He expressed the union’s commitment to negotiating in good faith but insisted they would not accept an offer that risks further diminishing doctors’ salaries.

While the government has offered to cover some out-of-pocket expenses for resident doctors and increase the number of training posts, the BMA maintains that a significant jobs shortage persists, particularly when doctors transition into specialist training. Last summer, there were 30,000 applicants for around 10,000 positions, highlighting the competitive nature of the job market.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has reiterated that he will not engage in discussions about pay, citing that doctors have received nearly a 30% pay increase over the past three years. However, the BMA contends that resident doctors’ salaries remain approximately 20% lower than they were in 2008 when adjusted for inflation.