Workers at a Rolls-Royce factory will begin an indefinite strike today in protest at the sacking of a trade union official.
Amicus said the walk-out by 96 engineers at the Bristol factory will have an immediate impact on work at the site where engines are made for military aircraft.
The union said that Jerry Hicks had been sacked by the company because of his trade union activities.
Mr Hicks was accused of organising unofficial industrial action, which he denied. Amicus warned it could not rule out the possibility that industrial action could spread.
Doug Collins, the union's deputy general secretary, said: "This is an unnecessary situation, entirely of Rolls-Royce's making and we are calling for them to act now to do the right thing and avert a damaging strike."
Amicus said it was campaigning for the reinstatement of Mr Hicks.
PA