After rejecting a pay offer from the Scottish government, junior doctors in Scotland are planning to strike.
In the event that a better offer is not made, BMA Scotland announced three days of strike action from July 12 through July 15.
The best offer in the UK, according to the Scottish government, was a 14 percent pay increase spread over two years.
However, the union claimed that 71% of its members had voted to reject the offer.
Members had spoken "decisively and clearly," according to Dr. Chris Smith, chair of the BMA's Scottish Junior Doctor Committee, but strike action would be implemented "reluctantly.".
It is undeniable that they do not think this offer is adequate to start addressing the pay erosion we have experienced since 2008, when the pay for a junior doctor was about 28.5 percent higher, he continued.
"Therefore, today's stark message to the Scottish government. Return with a better offer, and we can still prevent the need for strikes and the resulting disruption for everyone—patients in particular.
"The government now has the initiative, and I hope they will act quickly and favorably. ".
The union, which has been requesting a 23.5% raise, claims it is now trying to get an urgent meeting with Health Secretary Michael Matheson.
He previously promised to "do everything" to prevent strikes in an interview with the BBC.
The Scottish government offered junior doctors a total pay increase of 14.5 percent over two years in May. There were also discussions about changing the system of pay reviews going forward.
BMA Scotland presented the offer to its members without making any suggestions.
