The Independent Democratic Union, representing patrolmen for AA vehicle breakdown recovery service voted yesterday to approve a strike, which, if it happens, would be the first in the company's 105 year history. 2,400 union members cast a ballot in the vote - 87% in favor of approving a strike. The main issue of contention is pensions - although AA is keeping its final salary pension scheme open, it has proposed capping pensionable salary increases. The union fears that the company's moves are only an effort to 'clean up a bit' before the 'for sale sign goes up.' AA says it is disappointed by the union's strike vote, especially given their effort to keep pension schemes open. According to a union spokesperson, the company's reaction to the strike vote, will determine whether or not an actual strike goes forward.
See "AA vote to strike is first in its 105-year history", Martin Arnold, Financial Times, April 8, 2010