A new threat of industrial action at Britain's busiest airports emerged yesterday - from baggage handlers and check-in staff.
The GMB union said its members at airports including Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Stansted and Birmingham, could walk out at the end of the month if they backed action over pay.
More than 1,500 workers at the airports will be balloted. The results of the strike ballot will be announced in a fortnight and the union is required to give a week's notice of the strike, which would coincide with one of the busiest periods for airports at the start of the school summer holidays.
The union is confident its members will support a strike.
Ed Blisset, GMB official, warned the action would have a significant impact on holiday flights. "A large number of airlines would not be able to fly because there would be no one to load bags or check in passengers," he said.
The dispute involves Aviance, part of the Go Ahead group, which runs ground services at airports.
"We have been talking with the company for months, but sadly we have reached the end of the road," said Mr Blisset. "We are not asking for an extravagant amount of money."
The union has rejected a 1.5% pay increase plus a lump sum payment of £150 and is calling for a 3% rise or a much bigger payout.
Last month, thousands of air passengers faced delays and flight cancellations as air traffic controllers went on strike over proposals which they argue will lead to job losses and privatisation, and endanger safety.
Flights to France were worst affected as an all-day walkout disrupted more than 7,000 flights. Passengers at Manchester and Gatwick airports also faced delays of two to three hours as flights were diverted.
