Resident Doctors in England Plan 6-Day Strike

0:00On March 25, resident doctors in England plan a six-day strike, starting at 7am Greenwich Meantime, on April 7, right after the Easter. Bank holiday. This marched the 15th walk-out since March 2023, following the breakdown of more than two months of talks between their union and the government. The government offered a 3.5% pay rise for all doctors this year, based on an independent review. On top of that, resident doctors would get help with expenses like exam fees, more training positions, and quicker moves of pay bans from nearly $39,000 to nearly $74,000. The British Medical Association turned it down, arguing it fails to offset inflation and ongoing real pay cuts. Health Secretary Westreeding called the demands unrealistic and the rejection of blow to patients and staff. This dispute has dragged on for over a year, with the government pointing to nearly 30% pay rises in the last three years. The union counters that resident doctors pay remains about 20% below 2008 levels when adjusted

1:05for inflation, plus shortages. In specialist training spots, amid 30,000 applicants for 10,000 jobs last summer. Resident doctors form nearly half the NHS medical workforce, with two-thirds in the union, making this one of their longest strikes ever a major test for the health service.