BMA holding first ballot of its kind as it looks for 12.6% uplift
Doctors on the Isle of Man will be balloted from today (19 November) to determine whether they want to take industrial action in a row over pay.
The British Medical Association is putting the matter to a vote in the first ballot of its kind on the Island.
It's seeking a 12.6 percent uplift for the 23/24 financial year saying doctors are 'deeply frustrated', 'overstretched' and 'underpaid'.
Treasury Minister Alex Allinson, who's a former president of the Isle of Man Medical Society, claims strikes would damage patient care, lengthen waiting lists and exacerbate current funding issues for the NHS.
This week the @TheBMA will be asking Isle of Man Doctors to vote on possible industrial action. As a GP & former President of the Medical Association I will be voting NO. Strikes would damage patient care, lengthen waiting lists and exacerbate current funding issues for our NHS.
— Dr Alex Allinson MHK for Ramsey (@allinson_alex) November 18, 2024
Speaking on Manx Radio Breakfast this morning Dr Allinson said taking industrial action will destroy the good work that's been done over the years causing a set back.
He added that he feels uncomfortable knowing that some doctors who vote to disrupt patient care at a time when it's needed go against the ethos of why he got into medicine:
Manx Care has previously said it’s ‘not even close’ to settling this pay dispute.
Since April 2021 it’s made the following offers:
-
- 3 percent for the 2021/22 financial year (offer accepted by the BMA)
- 6 percent for the 2022/23 financial year (offer accepted by the BMA) + £1,000
- 6 percent for the 2023/24 financial year (offer rejected by the BMA)
- 4 percent for the 2024/25 financial year (offer rejected by the BMA)
The ballot will run until 23 December - you can find out more HERE.
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