London Junior Doctors Rally for Higher Salaries amid Ongoing Dispute
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Thousands of junior doctors rallied in London on Friday, demanding increased salaries as their dispute with the government continues.
Demonstration footage depicts large crowds on the picket line, brandishing banners and signs bearing slogans such as 'Strike to save the NHS' and '£14 an hour is not a fair wage,' Ruptly reported.
A junior doctor stated, "We still struggle to meet our life goals not least because of the money we earn. It's just not enough to sustain the lifestyle they expect from us."
"We have to study five years in medical school, and two years as a foundation doctor, another eight years to become a speciality doctor. And this is the life we have to put up with for 15 years," he continued.
This rally marked the fifth round of industrial action organized by the British Medical Association (BMA). The strike is expected to continue until Tuesday (August 15).
The BMA is demanding a 35 percent pay increase for junior doctors in England, asserting that they have endured a 26 percent reduction in real-term pay since 2009 due to rising annual inflation.
Last month, the British government presented a final offer of a six percent raise. However, the BMA promptly rejected the offer, asserting that it failed to address their demands.
