WORKERS involved with a pay dispute with Airbus are considering strike action - with the firm fearing such action would impact on its recovery from the pandemic

A spokesman for Airbus said Trade Union members have rejected the company's latest pay officer.

A Broughton worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said that he and his fellow union members were being balloted on whether to strike.

A spokesman for Airbus UK said: “Airbus is disappointed that Trade Union members have decided to hold a ballot for industrial action following the rejection of the latest pay offer.

“The company made the offer in the context of an ongoing pandemic, which is the worst crisis our industry has ever faced and the wider benefits structure which employees receive. 

“Airbus in the UK managed to successfully navigate the first waves of the pandemic without the need for any compulsory redundancies at a cost of more than £100m."

The spokesman added: “The members’ decision will have a detrimental impact on our ongoing recovery from the crisis.

"The company is keen to avoid damaging industrial action so we can focus on building a resilient, competitive and collaborative place to work for years to come.

“We are in discussions with the Trade Union to help achieve this.”

The aviation and associated industries has been one of the hardest hit by the global coronavirus pandemic.

Last year, it was reported that the UK has lost more than twice as many jobs in aviation and related industries during the coronavirus pandemic than France or Germany.

In March last year, Airbus said there will be no compulsory redundancies across their UK operations, including at Broughton.

The announcement came after Unite members at Broughton overwhelmingly agreed to an innovative shorter working week in order to save jobs.