I will feel no guilt on strike day

Abstract

It is my firm belief that no junior doctor wants to strike. But it is a fact that junior doctors in England are poised to take industrial action next Tuesday.1 Should the action go ahead, 12 January 2016 will become a historic date for the medical profession. Having reached this stalemate for a second time, junior doctors and the government have both already lost. Damage has been inflicted on both parties, and the wounds will be enduring. The words “doctor” and “strike” are each emotive. That a caring professional, relied on to do the right thing and uphold moral standards, would deliberately engage in an activity that seeks to inconvenience society and vulnerable people who need their service is seen by many as inherently wrong. Herein lies the problem with our dispute and our collective need to have public approval for it. At best, this dichotomy—striking doctors—is emotive to …