Airbus UK workers to strike for 10 days over pay dispute

Thousands of Airbus workers in Britain will go on strike for 10 days starting next month in a dispute over pay, threatening to disrupt production of aircraft wings, trade union Unite said on Wednesday.

Unite, which represents more than 3,000 aircraft fitters and engineers at Airbus, said 90 percent of members voting in a ballot backed industrial action.

Unless the European planemaker presents an improved offer, strikes will take place on September 2–3, 10–11, and from September 15 on other dates to be announced.

The union warned the walkouts could disrupt wing production for Airbus’s commercial and military aircraft programs and cause delivery delays. Airbus, however, said it was “not currently concerned about the impact on year-end deliveries.”

The company said it had made a “competitive and fair” offer for 2025 following pay increases totaling more than 20 percent over the last three years, as well as a £2,644 ($3,569) bonus 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,” said Sue Partridge, Airbus UK’s country manager for commercial aircraft.

Unite said workers need a pay deal that reflects rising inflation and living costs. British inflation reached 3.8 percent in July, the highest level in 18 months. “Airbus is generating billions in profit; workers deserve a fair deal,” Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said. “Our members are simply seeking fairness, not favors.”