Today, HCSA – the hospital doctors’ union has opened a fresh ballot of junior doctors in England in the ongoing pay dispute. If successful, this will extend the right to strike for another six months until December 2024. The ballot will close on 4th June 2024.

The ballot also asks members for the first time whether they would be willing to take Action Short of Strike (ASOS); a form of industrial action which could consist of doctors working strictly to contract and refusing to perform certain tasks.

HCSA is calling on junior doctors to vote in favour of both strike action and action short of strike. If successful, this will give HCSA Dispute Committee the flexibility required to exert maximum leverage in the face of anti-strike legislation.

HCSA Junior Doctors Committee Chair, Dr Karim Salem, commented: “We have made the government take notice and change tack. But despite our huge gains, they still have to fix the issue at the heart of this dispute. They need to end the erosion of junior doctors’ pay. 

“Strict law around strikes keeps throwing these obstacles in our way – but HCSA members have voted Yes to strike every single time. Now we are asking members to vote Yes for action short of strike as well.

“When your ballot arrives, please cast your vote. Whatever your decision, it is vital that you take part.”

For more information on the re-ballot, including what to do if you have not received a ballot paper, please read our FAQs.