Isle of Man Doctors Vote Overwhelmingly for Strike Action Over Pay Cuts

Doctors on the Isle of Man have voted to take strike action over pay erosion, according to results from a recent ballot.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said 104 of its 168 eligible members participated in the vote, which opened in early June. Of those, 95% supported industrial action. The turnout was 61% of eligible voters.

The union highlighted that inflation has eroded doctors' real-terms pay by 29% since 2008. Despite previous pay increases—8% in 2023-24, 6% from April 2024, and 2% from February 2025—doctors argue their earnings remain significantly below 2008 levels.

Manx Care, the healthcare provider, stated it remains hopeful that its latest pay offer, made on June 18, will be accepted. A ballot on the proposed deal is expected to conclude next week. No date has been set for potential strike action.

The strike ballot result follows the recent departure of Manx Care chief executive Teresa Cope, who had led the organization since its creation in 2021. Additionally, the healthcare provider's chair, Wendy Reid, will step down this summer.

Dr. Prakash Thiagarajan, chair of the Isle of Man Medical Society, described the vote as "a clear message that the current situation cannot continue." He added that pay erosion has left doctors feeling undervalued and concerned about the future of the profession on the island.

Dr. Emma Runswick, BMA deputy chair of council, said doctors were "standing up for fair pay, recognition of their expertise, and the long-term sustainability of medical staffing on the island" by voting for strike action.

The BMA noted that doctors called off a planned walkout in January 2025 after reaching a two-year pay deal covering 2023-24. Despite the agreement, the union maintains that doctors' real-terms pay has still declined over the past 17 years.

The BMA and Manx Care have not yet commented on potential next steps following the strike ballot. Further developments are expected once the pay deal ballot concludes next week.