Around 700 GMB and Unite union members have voted for industrial action. Members must give BA two weeks’ notice, meaning no action will be taken until July, just as the summer peak approaches.

A total of 95% of those who voted said they were prepared to strike, on a turnout of more than 80%.

The GMB said: “Industrial action dates will be confirmed in the coming days but are likely to be during the peak summer holiday period.”

Union members are angry a 10% pay cut imposed during the pandemic has not been reinstated. Another grievance is that other BA workers have been given a 10% bonus, while check-in staff have had nothing.  

Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, said:  "With grim predictability, holidaymakers face massive disruption thanks to the pig-headedness of British Airways.
 
“BA have tried to offer our members crumbs from the table in the form of a 10% one-off bonus payment, but this doesn’t cut the mustard. 
 
“Our members need to be reinstated the 10% they had stolen from them last year with full back pay and the 10% bonus that other colleagues have been paid. 

“It’s not too late to save the summer holidays – other BA workers have had their pay cuts reversed, do the same for ground and check-in staff and this industrial action can be nipped in the bid.”