American Airlines’ engineers at Heathrow will vote later this month about taking strike action in a row over pay.
The dispute affects more than 50 aircraft maintenance technicians and crew chiefs, responsible for the aircraft that make 23 daily American Airline Heathrow departures.
Unite the union said the engineers are “angry” about a three-year pay offer and strike action would cause “massive” disruption.
In the first year, technicians would receive a rise of 5.3% and crew chiefs 3.8%. In the second year, all workers would receive a lump sum cash payment, while in the third year a pay freeze would be implemented.
The union pointed out that the RPI (retail price index) rate of inflation currently stands at 12.3%.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “American Airlines’ pay offer is appalling. It amounts to a significant real terms year-by-year wage cut.
“Our members will no longer accept what are cuts in real wages as the cost of living crisis spirals.
“Unite will defend our American Airlines members’ jobs, pay and conditions and they have Unite’s unwavering support as they stand up for a fair pay rise.”
The ballot for strike action opens on September 13 and closes on September 30.
Joe McGowan, Unite regional officer, said: “Any disruption caused to American Airlines’ Heathrow operations will be the airline’s own fault for putting forward such an unacceptable offer.
“These are highly skilled and committed workers, yet American Airlines has offered them what is in effect a three-year pay cut.
“It needs to go back to the drawing board and table a realistic proposal on pay.”