Young Doctors in England Launch Longest Strike in NHS History
Young doctors in England on Wednesday commenced the longest strike in the entire seventy-year history of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
This was reported by The Guardian.
"Young doctors are set to go on a six-day strike over the unresolved dispute with the UK government concerning their pay," the report stated.
The strike occurs during one of the busiest periods for the state healthcare system, as winter respiratory illnesses are currently prevalent.
NHS officials have stated that the strike, which could involve up to half of the medical workforce, will have a "significant impact on nearly all routine medical care."
"This January may become one of the most challenging starts to a year the NHS has ever faced," said NHS Director Stephen Powis.
The strike began at 7:00 am local time and is scheduled to conclude at the same hour on Tuesday, January 9.
The British Medical Association announced the strike in December after negotiations with the government broke down. The union mentioned that young doctors were offered a 3% pay raise in addition to the average increase of 8.8% they received earlier this year.
However, the union rejected this offer as the money would be unevenly distributed among different categories of doctors and would still result in pay cuts for many.
Since March, young doctors in England have struck at least seven times.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and hospital chiefs have criticized this action.
The strike occurs as the Labour Party maintains a significant lead over Rishi Sunak's Conservatives in the 2024 elections.