Call off Junior Doctor's Strike, Urge PM As RMT Union Lend Full Support

by Benson Agoha | In Woolwich

Even as last minutes efforts are being made to avert the planned Junior Doctors stike, RMT Workers Union has pledged its full support for the industrial action that no one wants.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash talked about the Union's support and announced in a statement this afternoon that his Union will support the junior doctors.

A statement made available to Woolwich Online said: “RMT stands in full support of our junior doctors as they prepare to take industrial action in defence of the basic principle of decent working conditions for NHS staff who work round the clock saving lives.

“RMT members are urged to join the picket lines at their local hospital tomorrow to show solidarity with the junior doctors at this crucial point in their fight for justice."

“The NHS is the cornerstone of the post-war welfare state and it falls to the entire trade union movement to line up alongside those prepared to take action to defend it.”

RMT's announcement comes just at Prime Minister David Cameron called on the Junior Doctors to call of their strike because it will cause "real difficulties for patients and potentially worse".

According to a report by the BBC Monday, The Prime Minister called on medics "at the late stage" to get back around the table before the proposed walkout saying: "This strike is not necessary, it will be damaging."

The PM reported said that "We are doing everything we can to mitigate its effects but you can't have a strike on this scale in our NHS without there being some real difficulties for patients and potentially worse."

As it stands now, three strikes are planned to take place from:

* 08:00 Tuesday 12 January to 08:00 Wednesday 13 January (emergency care will be staffed).

* 08:00 Tuesday 26 January to 08:00 Thursday 28 January (emergency care will be staffed).

* 08:00 to 17:00 Wednesday 10 February (full walk-out).

However, it is hoped that this last minute effort to stave off the planned strikes will yield the 

desired results.

The strikes were originally planned for December dates of 1, 8 and 16 after an overwhelming 76.2% of the Junior Doctors voted in favour. However, last minute agreement by Health Minister Jeremy Hunt, the actions were suspended to enable both parties to discuss.

The Junior Doctor say they oppose plans by government to remove certain `safeguards' that had been in place to assist them performer better.

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*  What The Junior Doctors Are Saying And Why They Voted To Strike