BMA staff to stage one-day strike

 

Alan Jones
Wednesday 13 June 2012 07:51 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Hundreds of staff at the British Medical Association (BMA) are to stage a one-day strike next week, a day before doctors take industrial action in their row with the Government over pensions.

The GMB, which represents around 400 workers at the BMA, said the walkout would be held on June 20 in a dispute over pay.

Doctors will take industrial action on June 21, for the first time in almost 40 years, in protest at the Government's controversial pension reforms.

GMB members backed industrial action by 4-1 in a recent ballot after they rejected a pay offer of 1.5% plus an additional 0.5% for high performers.

The union said that under a grading re-structuring, the offer was only worth 1.2% for most workers.

GMB official Tony Warr said: "The BMA is aware that our door remains open in order to reopen negotiations to achieve a settlement.

"The 24 hour strike action will take place at all BMA locations throughout the UK and the strength of feeling remains overwhelmingly in support of the action which, of course, is the last resort.

"Our members did not want to go down this route but unfortunately management have given us no option whatsoever.

"The BMA Council should practice what it preaches in terms of achieving a negotiated settlement.

"As the BMA prepares for the first industrial action by doctors in 40 years, they should enter into talks to avert industrial action by its own staff.

"The BMA rightly expects the government to negotiate in good faith and they should do the same."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in