BMA JDC Meeting 26/9/2015

Dear Committee & Membership,

As I am sure you are all aware from the cascade of articles rippling though social media we are in worrying times for our profession. It is a challenge for us all to critically appraise each article and decide what is fact and what is fiction. Emotions are running high and I urge you all to look to your trade union – The BMA – for accurate and up to date information on this situation.

So what’s it all about?

The BMA have been in contract negotiations since 2013 in order to refashion a contract for modern day NHS junior doctors. After negotiations stalled the Doctors & Dentists Review Board (DDRB) were asked to step in and provide recommendations on contract that could work for both junior doctors and NHS Employers. Unfortunately these recommendations have been found to be lacking in many ways namely:-

1. Standard time & antisocial hours rates

2. Contractual safeguards and the banding system

3. GP Trainee supplement

4. Non-resident On-Call pay

5. Pay progression

6. Pay protection

7. Recruitment & retention premiums

8. Annual leave

9. Fees

10. Expenses

For a full analysis please read the BMA’s article on this subject.

http://bma.org.uk/working-for-change/in-depth-junior-and-consultant-contract/ddrb-recommendations-analysis-for-juniors

At the JDC meeting a new executive committee was elected. Many of you will wonder at the timing for a change of the committee however I can assure you we are in safe hands. I would ,ike to introduce:

1. Chair of the BMAJDC

2. Dr Johann Malawana

3. O&G Trainee

4. Lots of negotiating experience with BMA & GMC

5. Passionate regarding contracts

6. Clear idea of how to handle the current trade dispute

7. Deputy Chair – Terms & conditions of service

8. Aaron Borbora

9. Radiology Trainee

10. Mersey RJDC Chair

11. Informed and very up to date with contract negotiations

12. Clear plan of action

13. Deputy Chair – Education and Training

14. Dr Ellen McCourt

15. A&E Trainee

16. Former Orthopod

17. Keen for the current contracts dispute not to take away from our fight against shape of training

18. Deputy Co-Chairs – Professional Issues

19. David Rouse

20. A&E Trainee

21. Keen to Expand the role of the PI chair

22. Keen to support the other chairs in contract negotiations and Educational issues in addition to current role

23. Lucy-Jane Davis

24. Priorities very similar to David’s

25. Hence decision to co-chair.

After the elections unfortunately the meeting went into ‘camera’ which essentially means that any non-voting members (i.e. specialty group representatives like BOTA) were not party to the negotiation on balloting the membership for industrial action.

The outcome is now publicised and the BMAJDC will not re-enter negotiations until the following assurances have been made:-

1. Proper recognition of antisocial hours as premium time

2. No disadvantage for those working antisocial hours compared to current system

3. No disadvantage for those working less than full time and taking parental leave compared to The current system

4. Pay for all work done

5. Proper hours safeguards protecting patients and their doctors

So what’s next?

The BMA have asked all members to ensure their contact details are up to date. I strongly advise that you do this to ensure your ballot paper reaches you. If you are not a member I would suggest you become one, whilst it is possible to engage in industrial action in sympathy you will not be protected from dismissal should your employer wish to do so.

My next meeting is on Wednesday 7th October which is an update for specialty groups I will be keeping you posted as much as possible.

James Shelton

BMA Rep