“The PM has cynically blamed his own failure to get waiting lists down on striking doctors, all the while dragging out talks in the full knowledge that it was going to cause yet more strike action.”
Dr Vivek Trivedi & Dr Robert Laurenson, Co-Chair of BMA Junior Doctors’ Committee
27th June saw junior doctors across the country begin 5 days of strike action as they continue their campaign for real progress on issues of pay and working conditions. Left voices are giving their solidarity and support, writes Ben Hayes.
Offering a timely reminder of the serious questions which will need to be addressed whatever the outcome of next week’s general election, the junior doctors’ dispute has demonstrated strong levels of determination and organisation amongst striking junior doctors and their union.
The latest walkout marks the 11th they have held over the last two years, with Co-Chair of BMA Junior Doctors’ Committee Dr Vivek Trivedi emphasising that the union wanted to see meaningful steps taken to address members’ demands rather than vague platitudes: “If talks do not move in a timely manner, then of course our members would expect us to call for strike action.
“We have had three 98% ‘yes’ votes to our ballots for industrial action to restore their pay because they know, unfortunately, words don’t mean anything unless it’s written down and action is taken to achieve something.”
Addressing the prospect of an overall Labour majority next Thursday, the BMA’s Council Chair Dr Philip Banfield, stated that the union expected dialogue with the next government, whilst acknowledging that there have been “disagreements” with Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting and that talks were likely to involve “tough conversations”.
Support for the junior doctors has come from figures including Jeremy Corbyn, who visited the picket line at St Thomas’ Hospital:
“Proud to join NHS workers on the picket line today. They are taking historic strike action for the safety of us all. Our NHS is nothing without the cleaners, doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, receptionists and others who keep it running. You will always have my full support.”
Coventry South’s Zarah Sultana also offered her solidarity: “Our NHS staff are the backbone of the health service, but they’re overworked and underpaid. They’ve been pushed to breaking point and they deserve so much better. That’s why junior doctors are striking today, demanding fair pay and funding for our NHS. They have my support.”
Bell Ribeiro-Addy called for public support for the striking junior doctors, stating that “their fight for pay restoration is a fight for a better NHS for all of us.”
Another left voice to add their support was Ian Byrne, standing for re-election as the candidate for Liverpool West Derby, stating that their struggle for pay is at the heart of the fight for the survival of our NHS.
Kim Johnson highlighted the drastic fall in junior doctors’ pay since 2010, whilst their workload and NHS waiting lists have hit record highs: “They’re fighting for fair pay, patient safety and for the future of our NHS.”
Apsana Begum gave her full solidarity and support to the strikers as they “raise the alarm about excess workloads and patient safety.”
Vibrant and energetic picket lines have seen junior doctors taking action at pickets across the country, including at the Friarage Hospital in Rishi Sunak’s own constituency. The PM had another chance to commit to restoring pay and ending the strike but he failed to rise to the BMA’s demands.
As the first day of strike action played out, BMA junior doctors committee co-chairs Dr Robert Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi criticised Sunak for scapegoating junior doctors for the deep crisis in our health service after 14 years of Tory rule:
“The PM has cynically blamed his own failure to get waiting lists down on striking doctors, all the while dragging out talks in the full knowledge that it was going to cause yet more strike action. By first calling an election and then refusing any attempt to engage he has shown he clearly had no intention of sorting this dispute out in good time.”
While July 4th is likely to see the end of Sunak’s government, it’s clear that junior doctors will continue the fight for fair pay, the future of our NHS and the welfare of patients.
- The British Medical Association (BMA) is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. You can follow the BMA on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram.
- If you support Labour Outlook’s work amplifying the voices of left movements and struggles here and internationally, please consider becoming a supporter on Patreon.
