Junior doctors in England have commenced a five-day walkout, warning that further strike action could occur during the summer if negotiations with the next government do not progress promptly.
The British Medical Association (BMA) stands ready to engage in talks and has already held discussions with the Labour Party.
Labour’s shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, has pledged talks on July 5 if the party wins the General Election. However, tensions persist over pay restoration.
Junior doctors assert that their pay has been slashed by over a quarter in the last 15 years and are demanding a 35% pay increase.
Streeting has declined to meet the 35% request, citing concerns that yielding to such demands would set a precedent for future requests.
He underscores the need for discussions on pay and improvements to working conditions for medics in training.
Senior BMA members acknowledge that the union did not advocate strongly enough over the past 15 years, relying instead on the independent pay review body.
