Airbus employees in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ will start industrial action at the start of September. Unite union members based at Broughton in North Wales and Filton near Bristol will down tools in a pay-related dispute.
Over 3,000 aircraft fitters and engineers participated in the Unite union ballot. These highly specialised workers perform essential functions in manufacturing wings for the tremendously popular A320 series, A330, A350 and A400M military transport aircraft.
The workforce backed strike action in last month's ballot. A source has now verified that this will start with a 48-hour stoppage on September 2/3.
Rhys McCarthy, Unite's national aerospace officer said: "This overwhelming vote in favour of strike action shows the depth of anger that our members have over the poor pay offer from Airbus.
"It is not too late to avoid industrial action if they get back around the negotiating table with a new offer that is acceptable to our members. Otherwise they will see that anger first-hand on the picket line."
Additional 48-hour stoppages are planned - with the subsequent walkout scheduled for September 10/11, followed by further action beginning on the 16th, reports .
The initial proposal comprised a two-year agreement offering 3.6% followed by 3.15% plus pension improvements. Management (white-collar) staff accepted this arrangement, whilst non-management (blue-collar) employees rejected it.
Workers demanded a revised settlement spanning just 12 months.
Airbus subsequently presented a 12-month deal worth 3.3% with an additional 0.3% in January 2026. A third proposal provided the choice of either of the initial two offers alongside an additional non-consolidated payment of £200.
Sue Partridge, Airbus º£½ÇÊÓƵ Country Manager Commercial Aircraft, said: "We have made a competitive and fair pay offer in 2025 that builds on the strong foundations of pay increases totalling over 20% in the last three years and a £2,644 bonus payment made in April this year.
"Our priority remains to find a resolution together with the Trade Union that ensures the long-term competitiveness and success of Airbus in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ."
Airbus has indicated they are not presently worried about the effect on year-end deliveries.
