United Airlines workers based at London Heathrow have begun voting on a possible strike.
The three-week ballot initiative being undertaken by the Unite union, which represents almost 300 United workers in operations, customers service and baggage handling, will last through Oct. 11. If the workers vote to strike it would mean the cancellation of up to 18 flights per day, Unite said.
The union said it has balked at a United offer to raise salaries by 5% this year and another 4% in 2023. Inflation in the U.K. is 12.3%, Unite said.
The union also said United has threatened to end an agreement to not use outsourced labor at Heathrow.
"This is a red line for Unite members," a Unite press release says.
United offered only a brief comment on the strike ballot.
"United Airlines continues to hold talks with Unite, with a view to reaching an agreement," the airline said.
Unite workers employed by American at Heathrow are also voting on whether to strike. That ballot, involving more than 50 aircraft maintenance technicians and crew chiefs, opened on Sept. 13 and runs through Sept. 30.