SCOTLAND’S hospital doctors began balloting for strike action yesterday, against the Scottish government’s attacks on the NHS pension scheme.
If the ballot gives the go-ahead, the first day of strike action will be 12 December 2012, followed by 8th and 17 January 2013, with further strike action an option.
Plans to ‘reform’ the NHS pension scheme would mean doctors working longer and contributing as much as 14.5% of their pay for their pensions – almost twice as much as some other public sector workers on similar pay, for similar pensions.
Dr Nikki Thompson, deputy chair of the BMA’s Scottish Consultants Committee, said yesterday: ‘This is not where we set out to be, strike action is only ever a last resort but the intransigence of this Scottish government has left us with little option but to press ahead with a ballot for further industrial action.
‘With their outspoken opposition to these plans and a commitment to negotiations, Ministers have raised the expectations of NHS staff. The Scottish government says that it is negotiating in good faith, yet has been unable to provide clarity on the scope of these negotiations or come up with any genuine alternative to the English proposals.
‘This is a government that is talking up its opposition, but failing to deliver on these words.
‘Doctors believe that these changes to the NHS pension scheme are unnecessary and unfair. NHS schemes were reformed just four years ago.
‘Despite this agreement, endorsed by the Scottish government, the planned increases to NHS staff contributions will see a 6% rise on current contributions, meaning that senior NHS staff will be paying almost double the contributions of senior civil servants, for similar pensions.
‘We are not seeking special treatment, just fair treatment. The Scottish government can avert industrial action by entering into genuine and meaningful negotiations.’
The results of the ballot will be considered at a meeting of the BMA’s UK Council on Wednesday 28 November 2012, where members will consider the next steps.
