HCSA’s formal reballot of junior doctors in England has now opened as the union seeks to extend the mandate for strike action over pay for a further six-month term.
The union is recommending that members vote Yes to strike action to maintain pressure for action by the government.
Ballot papers will be posted by the independent scrutineer to junior doctors in England from Thursday 8th June.
A majority vote from members will extend HCSA’s strike mandate, as required by trade union legislation, allowing junior doctors to continue taking industrial action over the next six months.
A Yes vote will build on the historic vote by HCSA members in January to mount their first ever strike action. This has led to two periods of strike and the opening of talks with the Department of Health and Social Care.
Junior doctors are scheduled to strike again for three days from 14th to 17th June under their current mandate.
HCSA President Dr Naru Narayanan said: “The current dispute will only be resolved by serious talks which recognise the strength of feeling among junior doctors.
“We urge the government to stop stonewalling, see sense and get round the table to thrash out a deal that will end these strikes.
“Junior doctors have been pushed into this situation by a series of governments asleep at the wheel as a staffing crisis has spiralled out of control, with a huge impact on patient care. The sooner this government recognises its responsibility to address more than a decade of real-terms pay cuts, the better for the NHS and our patients."
HCSA Junior Doctors Committee co-chair Dr Karim Salem said: "Junior doctors have shown incredible determination at every step of the way. Now it’s time to renew our power to strike.
“The government is hoping we give up, yet they have made no credible offer. A resounding reballot result will speak for itself and show we are serious about Pay Restoration. We’re urging members to look out for their ballot paper and return it immediately with a Yes vote."
The ballot will close at noon on Tuesday 4th July, but votes will need to be returned several days before that to ensure receipt by the scrutineer. Further information is available online.
Members with questions about this month’s industrial action are advised to check out HCSA’s strike guidance, call 01256 770999 or contact advice@hcsa.com.