Today (Monday 25th March) thousands of junior doctors in Wales begin the third round of strike action over their pay.
The 96-hour walkout, the longest yet will commence from 7am on Monday 25th March to 7am on Friday 29th March as the dispute over doctors’ pay which has been cut by almost a third (29.6%) since 2008/9 continues.
More than 3,000* doctors with up to 11 years of experience out of medical school are expected to withdraw their labour from Welsh hospitals and GP surgeries across Wales in pursuit of a fairer deal for their service.
Last December almost every junior doctor (98%) who took part in the ballot for industrial action voted to strike in pursuit of pay restoration**, a campaign to restore their pay.
The Welsh junior doctors committee decided to ballot members in August after being offered another below-inflation pay offer of 5% - the worst in the UK and lower than recommended by the DDRB (the review body for Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration).
Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey, co-chairs of BMA Cymru Wales’ Junior Doctors Committee said:
“It’s extremely sad and frustrating that we find ourselves here again, our third strike and our longest yet. We don’t want to be in this position but again, faced with inaction, we are left with no choice.
“We want to reiterate that the strikes can be called off at any time if the Welsh Government put forward a credible pay offer to form the basis of talks.
“Whilst we continue to be undervalued, and disregarded for our work in the health service our resolve to restore our pay remains unbroken, enough is enough.
“Junior doctors are starting their careers earning £13.65*** an hour in Wales. Is that all they are worth? They are providing lifesaving care after training for years and are shouldering up to £100,000 of debt.
“We will continue our fight for fair pay for all doctors working in the NHS. It is no surprise that we are losing doctors as they search for better pay and conditions elsewhere. Losing our doctors at a time when waiting lists are at record highs will mean patients suffering more than they are already"
Pickets and demonstrations for the third round of strike action will take place on Monday 25th March, from 7.45am -11am outside hospitals across Wales.
Since the last junior doctor strike Consultants and SAS (specialist, associate specialist, and speciality) doctors have voted to strike as part of a dispute with the Welsh Government over their pay. Consultant and SAS doctors are set to take part in a 48 hour strike from 7am, Tuesday 16 April to 7am, Thursday 18 April****
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Notes to editors
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.
* According to stats Wales, in June 2023 3,998 junior doctors are recorded as working in Wales. This includes specialist registrars, SHOs, FY1 and FY2
** Welsh Junior doctor committee joins strive for full pay restoration
***The basic pay of a foundation year 1 doctor in Wales is £27,115 which is £13.65 an hour (£14 an hour in England) based on a 40-hour week.
**** Senior doctors in Wales vote to strike over pay.
Official pickets will take place on Monday 25th March,7.45am-11.00am. To set up a media interview please email [email protected]