UK doctors vote to go on partial strike, to withhold all but emergency care over proposed pension changes to their public sector union contract-BBC

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5/30/12, "Doctors vote in favour of industrial action," BBC

"A majority of doctors have voted in favour of taking industrial action over changes to their pensions.

The British Medical Association balloted more than 104,000 medics across the UK on the government's plans which it claims are unfair....

The union's leadership will confirm its plans later, having previously ruled out a full-out strike.

However, the ballot does give the union a mandate for one, but instead it has already said it will target non-urgent care....

Industrial action would mean elective operations such as knee and hip replacements being cancelled.

GP practices would remain open, but routine appointments would not take place....

Analysis

Doctors are among the best paid public sector employees - and as such they also have the most lucrative pensions....

Among public sector pensions being paid out, doctors account for two thirds of the top 1% of pay outs.

As a result, this government - and the Labour one that preceded it and reformed pensions in 2008 - has taken the judgement that it wants the best paid to subsidise the pensions of the lowest.

Contributions will rise the greatest for the highest earners. Those earning over £110,000 a year will end up contributing 14.5% of their salary."...

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