Scottish doctors threaten work action

The union representing Scottish doctors says its members are furious about changes to the British public employee pension system. The British Medical Association said it plans to poll its members in early 2012 about the possibility of a job slowdown, The Scotsman reported. The union has not been involved in industrial action since 1975. Dr. Brian Keighley, the group's chairman, said the most likely possibility is a slowdown that would delay elective procedures. He said the union wants to send "a very strong message" to both the Scottish and British governments. "In over 40 years of being a member of the BMA, I have not seen doctors so angry," he said. "It's a measure of that anger that they are even considering this very drastic step." Doctors say the pension changes would increase their contributions and might force them to work longer before retirement. Many public employee unions joined a one-day strike that forced thousands of schools to close before reaching an agreement with the British government.