Doctor Strike vote: Government must return to negotiating table
Commenting on the vote for strike action by Resident Doctors in Scotland, Green MSP Patrick Harvie said:
“Nobody takes industrial action lightly, and the government must listen to this vote and act.
“Scotland has a good track record of avoiding strike action in the NHS, and this has been in part due to the willingness of the Scottish Government to respect the workforce and negotiate in good faith. It's really concerning that this constructive approach seems to have ended.
“Doctors in Scotland have been more than willing to be creative and flexible in their discussions about issues like pay and workforce planning. But that doesn't mean that they can or should accept the government breaking past agreements or imposing a pay settlement instead of negotiating.
“I know that people across Scotland will be worried about the prospect of NHS strikes, but there is still time for the Scottish Government to get back to the negotiating table, respect the terms of past agreements made in good faith, and resolve this dispute.”