Thousands of Airbus workers in Britain will go on strike for 10 days starting next month over a demand for better pay, threatening to disrupt production of aircraft wings, trade union Unite has said.
Unite, which represents more than 3,000 aircraft fitters and engineers at Airbus, said 90% of members voting in a ballot had chosen industrial action, which will go ahead unless the European planemaker presented an improved pay offer.
Unite said the strikes, planned for September 2-3, 10-11 and other dates yet to be determined, from September 15, could disrupt wing production for Airbus's commercial and military aircraft programmes and delay deliveries.
However, Airbus said: "We are not currently concerned about the impact on year end deliveries."
The planemaker also said it had made a "competitive and fair" pay offer in 2025 following previous pay increases totalling more than 20% in the last three years, in addition to a £2,644 bonus payment in April.
"Our priority remains to find a resolution together with the trade union that ensures the long-term competitiveness and success of Airbus in the UK," Sue Partridge, Airbus UK's country manager for commercial aircraft, said in an emailed statement.
Unite said it had asked Airbus for a pay offer that reflects rising inflation and cost of living. Data published yesterday showed British inflation had reached 3.8% in July - its highest in 18 months.
"Airbus is generating billions in profit; workers deserve a fair deal," Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, said. "Our members are simply seeking fairness not favours."
Reporting by Reuters
