Jerry Hicks worked for the Bristol plant for more than 30 years

It follows a four-day disciplinary hearing which concluded Amicus convenor Jerry Hicks was guilty of two counts of gross misconduct.

Around 100 workers walked-out during the hearing. Amicus is holding a plant meeting on Thursday and plans to ballot for industrial action.

Rolls-Royce Defence managing director Tony Wood urged workers not to strike.

They have punished all of the Bristol site. They have punished Amicus. Jerry Hicks

Mr Hicks had worked at the Patchway plant for more than 30 years.

Rolls-Royce alleged he had led an illegal dispute and not complied with agreed working practice terms.

He said he was accused of organising an unofficial walk-out last month in support of two fitters who were threatened with dismissal.

Following his own dismissal, Mr Hicks said: "They have punished all of the Bristol site. They have punished Amicus."

The long-term

Ian Waddle, Amicus national officer for the aerospace industry, said: "We are angry and disappointed but not surprised as clearly this has been Rolls-Royce's intention all along.

"We will vigorously pursue an appeal but we will also begin the process of balloting for industrial action."

They have not decided how many of the 3,500 plant workers would be involved in the ballot.

The plant's managing director Tony Wood said he hoped workers would consider the long-term prosperity of the site when deciding on a ballot for industrial action.

"I hope that is not the decision they will take. This really wasn't an issue about the union. This is about the gross misconduct of one of our employees.

"I would really urge that our employees resume normal working."

The Bristol factory produces and services engines for military aircraft, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Hawk and the Harrier.