Jump directly to the content

MILITANT doctors want the power to strike indefinitely under Labour’s workers’ rights overhaul.

The British Medical Association wants to scrap rules that force unions to re-ballot members every six months if they want more walkouts.

Junior doctors holding signs that read "PAY RESTORATION FOR DOCTORS" at a demonstration.
1
Militant doctors want the power to strike indefinitely under Labour’s workers’ rights overhaulCredit: The Mega Agency

It has also called for the end to a ban on GPs and medical students going on strike.

The demands have emerged as MPs examine Labour’s Employment Rights Bill, which includes sweeping pro-union reforms.

It comes as junior doctors renewed their official industrial dispute with the Government on Thursday, despite securing a 22 per cent pay rise last summer.

Shadow Business Minister Greg Smith said: “These extreme demands show with Labour’s employment rights bonanza, everything’s on the table.

Read More on Politics

"It will make it far easier to strike, and for unions to hold the health service to ransom.

"The NHS, and the patients who depend on it, come a distant second to the unions.”

The Business Department said: “Our Employment Rights Bill will bring union legislation into the 21st century.”

Call off the strike and let’s do a deal – Wes Streeting tells junior doctors
Topics