Heathrow faces more flight disruption as American Airlines’ engineers at the airport have voted to strike.
More than 50 aircraft maintenance technicians and crew chiefs, responsible for the aircraft that make 23 daily American Airlines’ Heathrow departures, have voted to take action over pay, said Unite the union.
Dates for the strikes will be announced in the coming days.
Unite 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.
More: American Airlines’ engineers to vote on Heathrow action
The union pointed out that the RPI (retail price index) rate of inflation currently stands at 12.3% and American Airlines’ second quarter results for 2022 show it made record revenues of £11.8 billion.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Amid a cost-of-living emergency, American Airlines is proposing that our members accept a three-year pay cut. That is simply unacceptable.
“Our members are rock solid and ready to strike for a fair deal.
“American Airlines has boasted of its strong growth and post-pandemic rebound so let’s see that translate into a better deal for the workforce.
“Our American Airlines members have Unite’s total support during these strikes.”
Unite regional officer Joe McGowan said: “American Airlines’ passengers are facing severe disruption because the company is offering a significant pay cut.
“American Airlines must return to the negotiation table with an offer our members can accept.”
A spokesperson for American Airlines said: “At American, we’re committed to making sure all of our team members are paid well and competitively.
“We’re disappointed we haven’t yet been able to reach a pay agreement with Unite that will ensure our London-based Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) continue to receive industry-leading pay, but we remain committed to reaching an agreement as quickly as possible.
“There is no impact to our London maintenance operation and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers. ”
About 300 Unite members employed at Heathrow by fellow US airline United Airlines may also go on strike over pay, with a ballot for industrial action closing on October 11.