Airbus Broughton workers could go on strike over pay dispute
Members of the Unite union, Britain's largest union in the defence and aerospace sector, are to be balloted about taking industrial action following a series of unacceptable pay offers.
Although Unite has begun balloting over 3,000 aircraft fitters and engineers at the aerospace giant for industrial action, the union remains hopeful that Airbus will return to the negotiating table and a mutually acceptable agreement can be reached.
The highly skilled workers play a critical role in the production of aircraft wings for the hugely successful A320 family, A330, A350 and A400M military transport aircraft - core programmes in Airbus's global operations.
Should they vote to strike the company's sites in Broughton (Flintshire) and Filton (near Bristol) will grind to a halt, delaying delivery of aircraft wings bringing aircraft deliveries to a standstill.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: 'Airbus has posted billions in profit and continues to report record aircraft orders. Workers are still struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and this unacceptable pay offer is simply not good enough.
"Airbus needs to get back round the negotiating table with an offer our members can accept.'
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Rhys McCarthy, Unite national officer, said: 'There is no justification for denying the workforce - whose skills and dedication drive Airbus' success - a pay rise that reflects both the cost-of-living pressures and inflation.
'Workers are balloting for industrial action as a last resort, due to stalled negotiations. Unite remains fully committed to resolving this dispute through negotiation and stands ready to return to talks with Airbus to secure an agreement which is acceptable to both sides.'
The ballot will run until July 24. If members vote in favour, strike action could begin in September, with dates to be confirmed.
Sue Partridge, Airbus UK country manager, commercial aircraft, said: "We have made a competitive and fair pay offer in 2025. Our revised one year offer to our blue collar employees (3.3% with a further 0.3% in January 2026) is in addition to the £2,644 success bonus payment employees received in April. This builds on the strong foundations of pay increases that total 20% in the last three years.
"Our priority continues to be supporting our employees and ensuring the long-term success and stability of Airbus Commercial Aircraft in the UK. It remains business as usual across our operations."
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