London-Junior doctors in the British National Health Service (NHS) have embarked on a historic five-day strike, rejecting the government's proposed 2 percent salary increase. The ongoing strike is now recognized as the longest in the NHS's history, with the government subsequently announcing a 6 percent salary hike following the industrial action. However, the junior doctors' association is steadfast in their demand for up to a 35 percent salary increase. The British Medical Association (BMA), representing junior doctors, has stated that the proposed salary hike is inadequate to keep up with the rising cost of living. Despite negotiations between the government and the association, an agreement could not be reached, leading to the decision to strike.
Health Minister Steve Barclay argued that the doctors' demands for a 35 percent pay rise were unrealistic and warned that the strike could compromise patient safety. The strike has resulted in the cancellation of thousands of appointments, causing inconvenience and concern for patients. Vijay Bhandari, a doctor at Farnham Road Mental Hospital in Guilford Surrey, revealed that the salary for junior doctors has remained largely unchanged over the past 15 years. The growing expenses and workload have made it increasingly difficult for doctors to cope with a stagnant income, leading to their decision to strike. The impact of the strike on patient services has been significant, with the NHS grappling with an increased waiting time for treatment since the end of 2022. The latest statistics indicate that a staggering 7.47 million people were waiting for regular treatment as of the end of last May. While senior doctors have continued to provide emergency services during the junior doctors' strike, they have announced a 48-hour strike on July 20, demanding a salary increase. The situation has become further complicated as the government previously agreed to raise the salaries of most nurses by 5 percent, leading to a significant number of nurses returning to work.

In the UK, striking workers face a wage cut as a consequence of their participation in industrial action. According to regulations, a strike can only be initiated if the majority of union members vote in favor of it through a secret ballot. The national health of the UK continues to be affected by the ongoing strikes, prompting concerns about patient care and services. As the strike enters its fifth day, efforts to find a resolution that satisfies both the government and junior doctors are ongoing, with both parties aiming to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.