Baggage handlers and other workers at Stansted and Gatwick airports have voted to strike in a row over pay, it was announced today.

Members of Unite and the GMB unions have voted for action, though strike dates have yet to be confirmed.

Unite said it was seeking an urgent meeting with Swissport the comp-any responsible for baggage handing at the two airports, in an attempt to settle the dispute. The GMB said it was holding further talks with its members.

The dispute has raised fears of disruption at the airports over the August Bank Holiday.

The unions had been expecting a 2.75 per cent pay rise in April, under an agreement struck last August to head of a threatened walkout at the time. The unions say Swissport has reneged on a two-year pay deal.

Steve Turner, Unite’s national officer, said: “Our members have demonstrated clearly that they are prepared to take industrial action and are willing to fight for fair pay.”

Swissport blamed the change of heart on heavy losses as a result of a 19 per cent reduction in flight volumes in the past year year. It had so far avoided large scale redundancies and site closures.

A spokesman said: “The aviation business is severely affected by the current recession, with substantial reductions in the number of flights and major airlines announcing cost-cutting measures.

“Swissport has made every effort to minimise the impact of current market conditions on its employees.

“Any industrial action will jeopardise such efforts and threaten future prosperity of the company and jobs.”