Scottish junior doctors to strike over rejected 14.5% pay rise proposal
Scottish junior doctors plan to strike following their rejection of a pay increase proposed by the Scottish government. BMA Scotland announced that unless a better offer is made, a three-day strike will occur between July 12 and 15. The government’s proposal included a 14.5% pay rise over two years, which they claimed was the best offer in the UK. However, the union revealed that 71.1% of its members voted against the offer.
Dr Chris Smith, chair of the BMA’s Scottish junior doctor committee, stated that members had made their decision “decisively and clearly,” but the strike action would be taken “reluctantly.” He explained that the offer was not enough to address the pay erosion experienced since 2008, when a junior doctor’s pay was 28.5% higher. Dr Smith urged the Scottish government to return with an improved offer to avoid strikes and the resulting disruption to both doctors and patients.
The BMA has been advocating for a 23.5% pay increase and is now seeking an urgent meeting with Health Secretary Michael Matheson. In May, the Scottish government offered junior doctors a 14.5% pay increase over two years, in addition to discussions about altering the pay review system in the future. BMA Scotland presented the offer to its members without any recommendation.
