Consultants agree to suspend planned 24-hour strike after salary offer

A planned strike by healthcare specialists was suspended following a salary offer.

The British Medical Association Northern Ireland Advisory Committee will review the offer.

This was preceded by a vote in which 92 percent of voters declared their willingness to take industrial action.

A 24-hour strike by the consultants was planned, lasting from 7 a.m. on June 26 to 7 a.m. on June 27.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BMA said consultants had met with the Department of Health, which had made them a credible salary offer that the BMA would consider further.

However, Dr David Farren, chairman of the BMA Northern Ireland Advisory Committee, said a strike remained an option.

“We have agreed to suspend our strike while we discuss the department’s proposals,” he said.

“Striking is still an option, but by suspending the strike we have taken a significant step and we are confident that we will soon be able to make a credible offer to members.”

Stormont Health Minister Mike Nesbitt welcomed the development.

“I welcome the BMA’s decision to suspend planned strike action by consultants to discuss my department’s proposals,” he said.

“This will help create space for constructive and productive negotiations on a credible way forward.

“I greatly value the contribution of doctors and all their colleagues throughout medicine and the entire health and social care system.”