Holidaymakers could face travel chaos as hundreds of staff at Liverpool John Lennon Airport prepare to walk out on strike on one the airport's busiest weekends of the year.
Around 200 workers could strike across the August bank holiday weekend - potentially grinding the airport to a halt.
It comes as a union claims the relationship between staff and a major company operating out of the airport is 'fundamentally broken.'
The possible strike action would come via the GMB union - which is in dispute with the Swissport company, which employs baggage handlers and other airport workers at JLA.
The union says its members are unhappy with health and safety issues, working practices, pay and what it says is a breach of a union recognition agreement by the international company.
GMB is currently undertaking two industrial action ballots for members working on the Swissport easyjet contract and Swissport mainline.
Both ballots finish on August 7 and if successful, industrial action will take place across the bank holiday weekend, which falls between August 23 and 26.
The action would see a mass walkout of airport ground and baggage handling staff.
GMB Organiser Eddie Parker said: “Our members working at Liverpool’s John Lennon are unhappy with Health and Safety issues, working practices, pay and the company’s breach of the recognition agreement.
“Despite numerous attempts at constructive discussions, our relationship with the company is fundamentally broken
“The last thing our members want to do is go on strike – and it is not too late for the company to get round the table and thrash out a deal.”
Responding to news of the strike ballot, a Swissport spokesperson said: “Consultations regarding employee pay are ongoing and we are making progress and are hopeful of reaching a resolution shortly.
"Swissport remains committed to resolving this matter to protect the interests of our customers, airline passengers and employees.”
JLA routinely ranks the August bank holiday as its busiest weekend of the year - with previous years seeing as many as 75,000 passengers pass through.
Airport bosses said they would not want to comment on the ongoing dispute until the result of the ballot was clear.
