This Wednesday (20), “junior doctors” in the UK, the equivalent of resident doctors, in training or training, went on strike to demand an improvement in their pay.
The mobilization is taking place in the midst of a disaster in the British public health system (NHS). The system faces difficulties in absorbing the large patient waiting list, therefore harming the work of healthcare professionals.
“The pay is low, the working conditions are bad, we don’t have enough staff,” said Sumi Manirajan, a member of the BMA (British Doctors Association) union, while taking part in a demonstration.
Previous mobilizations did not have the desired effect. Negotiations with Rishi Sunak’s reactionary government broke down after five weeks, leaving them with no option but to strike.
Currently, junior doctors earn around £32,000 during their first year of training. The British government gave them a 3% hike in addition to the 8.8% hike already given a few months ago. However, according to the union representing the sector, such proposals are insufficient given the rise in the cost of living in the UK as a result of the crisis in Europe.
Voicing his disgust, the British Prime Minister characterized the strike as “extremely disappointing”:
“At such a challenging time we encourage junior doctors to carefully consider the hugely significant impact a strike would have on both the NHS and individual patients and return to negotiations,” Sunak said on Tuesday. It is his.
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