More than 50 aircraft maintenance technicians and crew chiefs from American Airlines have voted by 98% to walkout. A date for the strike will be set in the coming days.
Despite a strong recovery post-pandemic, the airline is proposing a three-year wage drop to the workers, who are members of Unite the union.
In the first year, technicians would receive 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.
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. As the strength of this vote shows, 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."
The workers are required to be licensed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to maintain, repair and certify American Airlines’ fleet for airworthiness.
Around 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 11 October.
