Hi °C | Lo °C The last time doctors took action was in 1975 when consultants worked to rule over a contractual dispute.
Junior doctors also worked to a 40-hour week because of dissatisfaction with contract negotiations.
Since then, industrial action has been raised as a possibility — but no dispute has reached the point where a ballot was deemed necessary.
BMA chairman of council Dr Hamish Meldrum said that doctors' fight is not with patients but with the Government.
Health Minister Edwin Poots attacked the fact that doctors are taking action over their pensions and said they will not have public support.
The action was announced last month after the BMA accused ministers at Westminster of pressing ahead with increases to pension contributions and a later retirement age for doctors despite a deal four years ago.
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