PCS welcomes doctors' action over pension attacks

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PCS Comment

30 May 2012

PCS has welcomed the news that doctors are to take industrial action for the first time in four decades over the government's plans to make public servants pay more and work longer for a worse pension.

In a ballot of the British Medical Association's 104,000 members, including consultants, GPs and junior doctors, there was overwhelming support for action, which it has been announced will be on Thursday 21 June.

This is further evidence that, contrary to what the government has previously claimed, unions representing the vast majority of civil servants, health and education workers have rejected the government’s offer.

The proposals would see public servants forced to work until they are 68 and pay more for a smaller pension.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "It is hugely significant that for the first time in four decades doctors and consultants have voted so overwhelmingly for industrial action.

"We wholeheartedly welcome this decision which sends a clear message that, like other public servants, doctors do not believe their pensions should be raided to pay for an economic crisis caused by greed and recklessness in the financial sector.

"We will continue to work with our colleagues in other unions and, if the government refuses to reopen negotiations as we have requested, further co-ordinated industrial action will be necessary."

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