Sorry for cross posting in an area that's not directly related but I do think this issue will affect everyone in the long run. Please read on....
In my mid 30s, mother of three and I'm a junior doctor.
I just wanted to raise awareness of why doctors are upset at the moment.
We already work many hours a week unpaid (out of good will because we care about our patients). The new contract in essence wants us to work even more but for less money. It's not 'cost neutral' - it's using the same pool of money to recruit more doctors and pay larger number of doctors within the same pool of money. This is resulting in up to a 30% pay cut for doctors.
Furthermore, finer detaIls of the contracts penalises part time workers and those taking maternity leave further.
A common misconception is that our union is not open to talks/negotiations. This is because the powers above will only talk if certain details such as the ones above are accepted ie only the smaller fine print is yet to be decided. Therefore our union has walked out of talks as the contract is being thrust upon us.
Doctors up and down the country are furious and concerned about patient safety as we're being forced to work unsafe hours. we are all concerned with what is going to come of the Nhs. If this is a step towards privatisation by alienating doctors we are the ones to gain in the long run financially as health care becomes private but we all believe in the Nhs and want to work in a safe, free and fair Nhs.
In addition, my own personal view is that I'm a mum of three. I want to see my kids and not have my normal week extended to include 7am-10pm mon-sat. I want to spend time with my kids and be there for my family as I'm there for my patients. I also have a life to fund and kids to support. I have a mortgage to pay and financial commitments.
Please understand why we are upset, why we are considering striking and if you support us, write to your local Mps to raise the issue.
This is not an official post in anyway but a plea for greater understanding from the wider public as I'm left feeling disheartened about my future and my family's future. Thank you for reading.