UK GPs go on strike for the 10th time in a year

British Medical Association-affiliated general practitioners halt work for the 10th strike in a year amid a salary regulation dispute with government

The British Medical Association (BMA) announced a continuation of the strike, initiated at 7 a.m. local time on Feb. 24, extending until 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28. The BMA urged the Ministry of Health to engage in negotiations with general practitioners to avert future strikes amidst ongoing dispute over wage arrangements.

“The government can simply make an acceptable offer to stop the strikes,” the statement said, noting that GPs have been receiving below-inflation pay rises and losing income for more than 10 years.

Emphasizing that general practitioners are not only tired of overworking in an underfunded and understaffed health system, but also lose their morale by receiving inadequate salaries, the statement said, “Our colleagues, tired of the 26 percent salary loss, are leaving the system to work for better salaries in Australia, New Zealand and other places that value the workforce.”

In the statement, it was also noted that the hourly wage should be at least 21 pounds ($26.63), while it is 15 pounds, and it was pointed out that the only step the government should take is to increase wages and the number of employees.

General practitioners have stopped work a total of nine times as part of the strikes they started on March 13, 2023. General practitioners, who left work for the 10th time today, will have spent 41 of the last 352 days on strike when the strike ends.

Stating that they have suffered salary losses since 2008, general practitioners are demanding a salary adjustment from the government, not a raise. The government, on the other hand, is offering a raise even below the 5% inflation rate.

Source: Newsroom