'UK govt., NHS dispute could become war'
A British union warns that the dispute over a new contract between junior doctors and government could become a war.
Head of the UNISON, Christina McAnea said imposing the contract "sends a very worrying message to other members of staff."
"Everybody else is really worried that if they can do this to doctors, what does that mean for us?" said McAnea.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says the contract will improve patient care. He criticizes the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents doctors, for failing to reach a deal over the past three years saying the contract is an "important step" in improving care at weekends.
"Our feeling is the government wants to extend seven-day services but they don't want to fund it. They want staff to fund it through accepting cuts to pay and conditions," she said.
In response to a question if more strikes were likely from other categories of NHS staff, she said: "Yes, if there is a cut to unsocial hours payments or an imposition [of a new contract] then I think they would look to take some kind of action."
A petition on a government website calling for a vote of no confidence in Hunt has gained more than 180,000 signatures - above the 100,000 required for a Commons debate to be considered.
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