here’s a breakdown of the key points from the provided text:
Wes Streeting’s Concerns and Arguments:
Against BMA’s Stance on Informing Employers: Streeting is critical of BMA leaders for allegedly advising members not to inform their trusts about strike action. He believes this makes it harder for managers to ensure safe staffing levels.
“unconscionable” to Not Inform Employers: He describes the idea of doctors striking without informing their employers as “unconscionable” and urges them to “do the right thing.”
Pay Rise Already Received: Streeting states that resident doctors have already received a 28.9% pay rise over the last three years, making further strike action for pay “unreasonable and unnecessary.”
Limited Room for Pay Negotiation: He believes there is “no more room for manoeuvre” on pay but is open to discussing other demands like unemployment and progression into specialty posts.
Impact on Other Staff: Streeting warns that not informing employers would negatively affect other staff who are working,especially those paid less than resident doctors. Consequences for Patients: He emphasizes that the strike will lead to cancellations and delays in patient treatment,citing a personal example of a family member awaiting a postponed procedure. he acknowledges that the NHS will have to recover from the industrial action, causing further delays.
BMA’s Defense:
Real-Terms Pay Cut: The BMA defends the pay claim, stating that resident doctors have not worked through the COVID-19 pandemic only to receive a real-terms pay cut.
Pay Still Lower Than 2020: They claim that their pay is still lower than it was in 2020.
context of the Strike:
Planned Five-Day Strike: Resident doctors are planning a five-day strike starting on July 25th.
BMA’s Demand: The union is seeking a 29% pay rise, which they argue is needed to compensate for years of pay cuts.
Labor’s Offer: Labour has offered a 5.4% pay rise this year, following a 22% rise agreed for the previous two years.
Streeting’s Meeting: Streeting is scheduled to meet with BMA representatives before the strike.
In essence, the article highlights a disagreement between the government (represented by Wes Streeting) and the BMA regarding resident doctors’ pay and the conduct of industrial action. Streeting believes the current pay offer is sufficient and criticizes the BMA’s alleged advice on strike notification, while the BMA argues for a higher pay rise to address real-terms pay cuts.
