Thousands of Airbus employees in the UK are preparing to walk off the job for 10 days next month, demanding better pay in the face of rising living costs. The strike action, announced by the

union Unite on Wednesday, could slow production of aircraft wings — a critical part of Airbus’s commercial and military jets.

Unite, which represents over 3,000 Airbus fitters and engineers, said nearly 90% of its members voted in favor of industrial action after rejecting the company’s latest pay offer. Unless Airbus improves its proposal, workers will strike on September 2-3, September 10-11, and additional days starting September 15.

While the union has warned of potential delays to wing production and aircraft deliveries, Airbus downplayed the impact. “We are not currently concerned about the effect on year-end deliveries,” the company said in a statement.

Airbus added that it has already offered what it calls a “competitive and fair” deal — pointing to pay rises totaling more than 20% over the last three years, plus a one-off £2,644 bonus paid in April.

Sue Partridge, Airbus UK’s head of commercial aircraft, said the company’s goal is to reach a resolution with the union that supports “the long-term competitiveness and success of Airbus in the UK.”

But union leaders argue that’s not enough. With UK inflation hitting 3.8% in July — the highest in 18 months — Unite says workers deserve a raise that truly keeps pace with the rising cost of living.

“Airbus is generating billions in profit; workers deserve a fair deal,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. “Our members are simply seeking fairness, not favours.” Photo by Duch, Wikimedia commons.