Airbus employees have voted in favour of strike action amid a pay dispute after more than 3,000 aircraft fitters and engineers in Flintshire and Filton took part in the ballot conducted by Unite union.
The skilled workers are integral to the production of wings for Airbus's key models, including the A320 family, A330, A350, and the A400M military transport aircraft, which are in turn central to the company's global operations.
Unite has been at odds with the aerospace giant over its latest pay proposal, leading to a vote on potential industrial action.
The ballot results showed a resounding 95% of union members backing strikes, with an 80% turnout. The union said it hoped that Airbus would re-engage in talks to come to an agreement.
Reports suggest that the potential strikes at Filton, near Bristol, and Broughton, Flintshire, could commence in September, although no specific date has been set, reports .
Rhys McCarthy, Unite's national officer for aerospace, 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."
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. We have not been formally notified of any industrial action and we are open to further dialogue with Unite in order to find a way forward."
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