30.03.12
BMA will ballot doctors for strike on pension reform
The first ballot of doctors on industrial action since 1975 will go ahead in May if the Government does not take part in ‘meaningful discussions’ concerning changes to NHS pensions, the BMA has warned.
The union will ask doctors whether they are willing to provide only urgent and emergency care for a 24-hour period. They would not undertake duties that could be safely postponed, such as routine operations and non-urgent outpatient appointments.
In January a BMA survey found that 84% of doctors rejected the Government’s changes to NHS pensions. The Government seeks to increase contributions and raise the age of retirement to cope with the increasingly ageing population.
Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of council at the BMA, said: “We’re taking this step very reluctantly and only because the Government will not engage with us to even try to find a fairer way forward. NHS staff agreed to major changes to their pensions only four years ago.
“As a result, the scheme is delivering £2bn to the Treasury each year and staff have taken on sole responsibility for covering increases in costs due to improvements in longevity in the future. Now the Government wants to tear up a deal reached through genuine negotiation and impose these further, unnecessary changes.”
The ballot is scheduled to open on 14 May and close on 29 May. BMA Council will make a decision on what to do next following the results of the ballot. Plans for the day of action will be further developed with doctors locally and following discussions with employers.
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