Hundreds of GMB and Unite members working as BA check-in staff and ground staff at Heathrow have voted in favour of holding a formal industrial action ballot.

The strike ballot will begin shortly with dates to be confirmed during the next few days. The unions said that any industrial action will take place during the summer holiday period.

The Heathrow workers say they are angry because a 10% pay cut imposed on them during the pandemic has not been reinstated – despite executives having their pre-Covid pay rates reinstated.

While other British Airways workers have been given a 10 per cent bonus, the check-in staff have had nothing, according to the unions.

Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer, said: "BA forced our members into pay cuts during the pandemic, when they had little workplace power to fight back. Now our members are back at work and staff shortages are hammering the company. It is their time to claim back what is theirs.

In Association with

“These loyal workers have stood by BA through thick and thin. They have kept passengers moving when staff shortages and IT failures nearly brought the operation to a standstill.

"If BA wants to avoid industrial action that will trash many people’s summer holidays, they need to do what’s right by check-in staff.”

Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary, added: “Under the cover of Covid, British Airways used the abhorrent fire and rehire practice to slash check-in and ground handlers pay by 10 per cent. This is why our members have voted overwhelmingly to proceed to strike action.

“BA has had every opportunity to resolve this dispute through negotiations but it has failed to do so. Our members are left with no choice but to vote for strike action this summer.”