More than 3,000 employees are set to take part in an Airbus UK workers’ strike, planning a 10-day walkout beginning September 2, 2025, after rejecting the company’s latest pay offer, amid the ongoing Airbus pay dispute. The company has sites in Broughton, North Wales, and Filton, near Bristol. The workers, represented by the Unite union, are primarily aircraft fitters and engineers.
The Union and Aviation Sector Commentary
Unite Members voted 90% in favour of industrial action, citing insufficient compensation amid rising inflation and cost of living pressures, Unite the Union said. They argue that, as Airbus profits are soaring while workers struggle with rising costs, Airbus UK workers would strike. Unite General Secretary, Sharon Graham, said:
“Airbus is generating billions of profit, workers deserve a fair deal. Our members are simply seeking fairness, not favours.”
Rhys McCarthy, Unite national officer, added:
“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.”
The union is demanding that while the company strive to meet its delivery targets, it also focuses on a comprehensive pay deal that accounts for U.K. inflation, now at 3.8%, and acknowledges the highly specialised skills of workers in Broughton and Filton. These workers are central to producing aircraft wings for Airbus models, including the A320, A330 and A350. The Airbus pay dispute is part of a broader wave of Airbus industrial action across UK sites.
Airbus Response and the Rising Trend of UK Aviation Strikes in 2025
Airbus UK said it had already proposed a “competitive and fair” package, including a pay increase of more than 20% over the past three years and a £2,644 bonus paid in April this year. Sue Partridge, Airbus UK country manager, said:
“Our priority remains to find a resolution together with the union that ensures the long-term competitiveness and success of Airbus in the UK.”
The strikes, scheduled for September 2, 3, 10, 11 and five more days from September 15, based on shift patterns, are expected to disrupt wing production for Airbus’ commercial and military programmes, including Airbus strike North Wales operations, potentially delaying deliveries.
The planned Airbus UK workers strike in 2025 over the Airbus pay dispute is the latest in a broader trend of aviation strikes across the U.K., with industrial action affecting airports and airline services over pay and working conditions in recent months. Baggage screeners at London Gatwick Airport, originally set to strike in late August 2025, suspended action after a new pay offer, though further strikes remain possible (read more here). Red Handling and Redline Oil Services staff at Gatwick staged strikes in May and June 2025 over pay and pensions, while Heathrow mobility assistants struck in April 2025 over pay. Unite also indicated potential action at Glasgow Airport in July 2025 involving around 450 workers.
As the cost of living rises and wages stagnate, further industrial action across the UK aviation sector is expected in the near future. Strikes are likely to continue not only across UK airlines and airports but also globally, as uncertainty threatens both business profits and workers’ livelihoods.
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