To think people are very quick to forget the pandemic

[BelleMarionette]

Myself, and other junior doctors, worked hard on the covid wards, in appalling conditions. We didn't have decent PPE, and often had little to no relevant experience or training, as many were redeployed with little notice (in my case, 36 hours). Almost all of of us became sick, some very seriously so, and some even died. Many more were left struggling with our own mental health, suffering from PTSD, anxiety and depression.

We are now striking, due to pay erosion over the past 15 years. In real terms its around a 30% pay cut. It's difficult to live on what we are be being paid, especially with families to support.

I have seen an awful lot of negative comments about junior doctors on another thread. Aibu to think the public has been very quick to forget our contribution during the pandemic?

I would dearly love to be wrong and see support

Of course nobody predicted the pandemic. I didn’t say that. I also asked what you think the link is between people not supporting the strikes and “remembering” you worked through the pandemic? Or do you mean to say you think people should support you BECAUSE you worked through it?

Well I thought doctors and medical staff were brilliant before the pandemic. I now think they're phenomenal. And, although some people might come along and slate me, the people saying what about retail staff etc. They're not saving lives, putting themselves in immensely stressful and vulnerable situations ( treating people with covid) not having time to pee let alone have a break and sometimes work 48 plus hour shifts.
I've started so I'll finish - this government privatising NHS left right and centre and lastly

How the fuck dud clapping and rainbows being painted everywhere actually HELP the NHS???

Of course it didn’t help them. They’ve all got the “proud to work for the nhs” rainbow stickers on their cars though so doesn’t seem to bother them too much.

@Failingatthemoment why the classism isnt a good look.

twitter.com/sAugust06/status/1634870325430333441?s=20

I don't really see anyone who's been quick to forget the pandemic!!! But afraid i don't see a direct relationship with junior doctors wanting an improved pay rise and better working conditions. Its not some sort of thank you. They should have got a separate thank you!

I think all public sector workers have been hammered by austerity and tory policy, that I don't agree with. So I support strike action. I'll be striking myself on Wednesday as I'm basically still at the bottom of my pay band after 7yrs and have roles we've not been able to fill for 2.5yrs.

Retail staff kept everyone fed during the pandemic Including health workers.

You said we should have been aware of the salary, but have not acknowledged that it has changed significantly since we started medical school.

During the pandemic, people were falling over themselves to show how much they appreciated NHS staff, eg the claps. That appreciation seems rather hollow now, if it doesn't translate to supporting a living wage.

It's not about having 'worked through the pandemic'. Of course, many people did that. Rather, the absolutely horrific circumstances we found ourselves in. Spending 70 hour weeks looking after people dying in the most terrible circumstances, without their families, was completely traumatic.

👌🏼👌🏼

I don't support anyone striking 🤷‍♀️.
Its pathetic and are you all going to do it every year to try get your own way 🤔

Should those people expect to get either no pay rise or below inflation pay rises every year, and just be happy with it? As far as I’m aware, that wasn’t in the contract when they signed up. I personally started teaching under a Labour government, and annual pay rises were decent. How was I supposed to that would all stop when the Tories took over? I didn’t “sign up” for that at all.

The appreciation is hollow??? So you do think there should be some kind of correlation between working through the pandemic and a payrise then? Why? It’s not a reward. The 2 shouldn’t be linked.
Sadly, you’re going to have to accept that while some may have stood on the doorstep and clapped for you, they’re still allowed their own opinions on strike action. The 2 are in no way linked.

I don’t know why you’ve put “sign up” like that. I didn’t use those words anywhere in my previous post.

I agree you should be paid more and that you were treated badly through the pandemic. But I admit I have forgotten about it. I am just trying to manage to feed my family and stop everyone getting too cold.

I’m wondering how long you’ve been qualified. The pandemic was massive - but as a stand alone event, it’s not that long ago. Is that when you qualified?
I’m not questioning your right to a pay rise - but if everyone gets one, it’s going to be meaningless anyway.
I’m just thinking there’s more history to the NHS than the pandemic. We were underpaid in the 90s. Much worse working hours too.
Why is the pandemic relevant to the pay rise?

I would have imagined that it was far worse for the dying people and the families separated from them but it’s all about you of course.

What do you think Junior doctors earn?

£30k-£40k (the latter while specialising) IS more than many people can dream of earning. Pretending otherwise doesn't help

I support you. The Tories are out to kill the NHS.

And I didn’t actually say people should expect no payrise, either. I said some people may feel it odd that newly qualified staff, who clearly entered their professions knowing the salary expectations and working hours are now complaining of the same.

I still don’t see why some feel a payrise is a well done for working through covid.

That was meant to be to @cardibach

How were working conditions worse in the 90s? Not at all goady, ive never heard that before so curious. All the rhetoric seems to be around nhs working getting worse year on year

I think many suffered during the pandemic for many reasons so they are probably just dealing with their own paths in life

All sorts of harsh things were done to keep admissions lower than what they would have been, which had real impacts on many

A bit separate to strikes and pay though

How much do junior doctors earn?

Yes we understand. But what do you want us to do? Most of us are also working at 10-11% under inflation. We've also been fighting through unions for raises and getting nothing.

You need the government to support you. To support all of us. We're not able to solve your woes.

£29k first year, £30k second year, £40k just before specialisation.

During the pandemic, people were falling over themselves to show how much they appreciated NHS staff, eg the claps.

I, and many others weren't. Many of us thought it was absolutely ridiculous. Not only the claps but the overblown reaction to the whole thing.

And the consequences of which which are far-reaching and the main cause of the fact there is now no money for pay rises!