Airbus UK Staff Plan 10-Day Strike Over Pay Demands

Thousands of Airbus workers in the United Kingdom are set to strike for 10 days starting in September, following a vote by trade union Unite demanding higher pay. The union, representing more than 3,000 aircraft fitters and engineers, reported that 90% of members who voted supported industrial action unless Airbus improves its pay offer.

The strikes are scheduled for Sep. 2-3 and 10-11, with additional dates from Sep. 15 yet to be announced. Unite warned the disruptions could affect production of aircraft wings for both commercial and military programs and potentially delay deliveries. Airbus, however, stated, “We are not currently concerned about the impact on year-end deliveries.”

Airbus emphasized that it has made a “competitive and fair” pay offer for 2025, following previous increases totaling over 20% in the last three years. In April, employees received a bonus of £2,644 (approximately US$3,569). Sue Partridge, Airbus UK’s country manager for commercial aircraft, said, “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.”

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

The dispute highlights tensions between labor demands and Airbus’s efforts to maintain competitiveness amid inflationary pressures, underlining the importance of wage negotiations in the aerospace sector. The outcome could have wider implications for Airbus’s supply chain and production schedules in the UK as the company navigates post-pandemic recovery and global market demands.

Airbus has made three pay offers to resolve the dispute. The initial proposal was a two-year deal with a 3.6% increase followed by 3.15%, along with pension enhancements. Management-level employees accepted it, but non-management staff rejected it, requesting a revised one-year package. Airbus’s second offer for non-management employees included a 3.3% raise, with an additional 0.3% scheduled for January 2026.

Last week, Airbus submitted a third offer, adding a non-consolidated payment of £200 to either of the previous proposals. Unite national officer Rhys McCarthy criticized the offer, stating, “The pay offer simply does not reflect the money Airbus is making or the current cost-of-living crisis. We remain ready to negotiate, but we will not allow our members to be short-changed.” He emphasized that if Airbus does not present a better offer, strike action will proceed in September.

This ongoing pay dispute follows a wave of recent labor actions in the UK, including strikes by Boeing defense workers and university staff.