Airbus UK workers plan ten-day strike over pay dispute

Rhys McCarthy, Unite National Officer, stated: “The pay offer simply doesn’t reflect the money Airbus is making or the current cost of living crisis. We remain ready to negotiate, but we won’t allow our members to be short changed.”

Airbus has responded by saying it made a competitive and fair pay offer last year. According to the company, this followed previous increases totaling over 20% during the past three years and included a $3,559 (£2,644) bonus payment in April. In July, Airbus indicated it was open to further discussions with Unite.

Unite insists that its members will proceed with industrial action unless Airbus returns with an improved proposal that accounts for inflation and recognizes workers’ skills. The union reported that its members voted by a margin of 90% in favor of striking.

Despite concerns about potential disruption, Airbus does not currently expect the strikes to impact its target of delivering around 820 commercial aircraft this year. As of July, Airbus had delivered 373 aircraft to 72 customers worldwide (https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-08-airbus-delivers-67-aircraft-in-july-2024).

This planned strike comes amid a wave of industrial actions across Europe’s aviation sector. Airports in Spain and Portugal have experienced disruptions due to labor disputes while London Gatwick Airport narrowly avoided strikes after reaching a new pay agreement with staff. French air traffic control strikes have also led to widespread travel delays across the continent.

If unresolved before September, the action by Airbus UK workers would mark another chapter in ongoing labor unrest affecting airlines and manufacturers throughout Europe.