Unions representing British Airways staff are balloting members on the airline’s new pay deal – and could advocate industrial action if it is rejected by workers.

Unite, the GMB and pilots’ union Balpa have issued a joint pay claim to the airline on behalf of all BA employees, including pilots, cabin grew, engineers, terminal workers, office staff and managers.

Union officials say BA’s one-year inflationary pay rise fails to amount to a real-time increase in wages. BA says its offer is fair, reasonable and in line with other companies.

Members will be balloted on the offer, with all three unions recommending staff turn it down. A no vote is expected to lead to a ballot on strike action in the spring.

The issue came to a head on Thursday (February 28) when BA owner IAG announced a 9.5% increase in underlying profits to €3.23 billion (Ł2.77 billion).

In a joint statement, the unions said BA’s 10-year transformation from a loss-making airline to a “profit-making powerhouse” was “due in large measure to the outstanding contribution of BA employees”.

“Despite difficult changes, pay cuts and sacrifices made in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, including the voluntary closure of their final salary pension scheme, BA staff made these exceptional results possible,” said the unions.

“Cabin crew, pilots, engineers, terminal workers, office staff and managers are the backbone of BA’s powerful premium brand. In the bad times, they have given. Now times are good, that loyalty needs to be repaid. A woefully inadequate pay offer is simply an insult to that sacrifice.

“BA must end its austerity approach to pay negotiations, re-connect with its employees and deliver a pay deal that properly reflects its record-breaking profits.”

Around 25,000 BA employees are unionised. The unions are seeking an improved three-year deal with enhanced profit-sharing and the re-introduction of an employee share ownership scheme.

“The negotiations are now at a critical stage, if an industrial dispute is to be avoided,” the unions added.

According to The Sun, BA says its offer would amount to a minimum pay increase of Ł500.

A spokesperson told the paper its pay proposals was fair, reasonable and reflected typical pay awards at other UK other companies.

“We continue open discussions with our trade unions,” they added.