Councillor angry at ‘shaky’ strike bid (From Wharfedale Observer)

Councillor angry at ‘shaky’ strike bid

3:44pm Friday 8th June 2012 in News

A Guiseley councillor is hitting out at a planned doctors’ strike – claiming their arguments are “shaky at best”.

Councillor Graham Latty said many people will be confused that doctors are planning to walk out over changes to their pension pots – despite the fact most GPs can expect a £68,000-per-year pension.

Coun Latty said: “I have real concerns about the rationale for this strike and the effect it may have on local people in my ward. First, many people will be scratching their heads over why doctors are striking at all, despite the fact they still stand to receive £68,000 a year as a pension after the reforms go through. This is more than many people earn in a year, and those same people wouldn’t even dream they could look forward to such a generous pension.

“Whilst I understand that it is non-urgent procedures and GP appoint-ments that will be affected, there will still be disruption and inconvenience to people in my ward and throughout the area. The fact patients affected by the strike are paying for these pension pots makes it doubly difficult to sympathise with the doctors on this.

“I’m not a doctor, so I don’t have experience of the issues doctors deal with every day, but I disagree with this strike because I simply don’t believe a strong enough case for striking has been made. Matched against the financial difficulties faced by many of the people set to be inconvenienced on June 21, the doctors’ arguments look shaky at best.”

The British Medical Association has defended the planned action, stressing the decision had not been taken lightly.

The union said its strike would not impact on safety and that patients with the most serious needs would still be seen, as doctors did not want to put anyone at risk.