Workers at Airbus UK plan to stage a ten-day strike due to disputes over wages.

In a significant development, more than 3,000 Airbus workers in the United Kingdom have announced strike action for September 2-3 and September 10-11, with additional dates to be determined. The strike, which affects the production and delivery of aircraft wings and completed aircraft from Airbus, is over demands for a pay offer that reflects the rising inflation and increased cost of living.

The trade union Unite, which represents aircraft fitters and engineers employed at Airbus, has been negotiating with the company to address these concerns. According to Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, "Our members are simply seeking fairness not favours."

The ongoing dispute stems from the fact that 90% of workers who voted in a ballot opted for industrial action. The workers are dissatisfied with the current pay structure, with previous pay increases amounting to more than 20 per cent over the last three years, but they feel that these increases do not match the current rate of inflation.

British inflation stood at 3.8 per cent in July, its highest in 18 months, according to data published on Wednesday, as reported by Reuters. This has added to the workers' concerns about their purchasing power.

Airbus, however, has extended a "competitive and fair" pay offer to the workers in 2025, as reported by Reuters. The company has also offered a bonus payment of 2,644 pounds ($3,569) to its workers in April.

Sue Partridge, Airbus UK's country manager for commercial aircraft, has stated that the planemaker is prioritizing the need to reach a resolution with the trade union to ensure "long-term competitiveness" and the success of Airbus in the UK.

Airbus is not currently concerned about the impact of the strike on year-end deliveries. However, the strike could potentially disrupt the production of aircraft wings at Airbus and delay deliveries of Airbus' commercial and military aircraft programs.

Unite is currently negotiating with Airbus on a wage concession to prevent the planned strikes by Airbus employees in the UK. Graham also said, "We want to avoid strike action and are willing to talk to Airbus to find a resolution that is fair to our members."

The potential strike comes at a time when Airbus has been making billions in profits. Graham emphasized that workers also deserve a fair deal, stating, "Airbus has been making billions in profits and that workers also deserve a fair deal."

As the negotiations continue, both parties aim to reach a resolution that is acceptable to all involved, ensuring the continued success of Airbus in the UK and fair compensation for its workers.