Hundreds of Unite and GMB members at Heathrow have already voted in favour of holding a formal industrial action ballot in the next few days. 

They are in dispute because a 10% pandemic pay cut has not been reinstated despite management at the airline returning to full salaries. In addition, other BA workers have been given a 10% bonus, while the check-in staff have not. 

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Under the cover of Covid, British Airways used the abhorrent fire and rehire practice to slash check-in and ground handlers’ pay by 10%.   

“In a further disgraceful move, BA has now restored the pay of managers but has kept the cut for these workers. This is why our members have voted overwhelmingly to proceed to strike action.”

She said BA had been given the opportunity to restore pay levels but had not done so.

Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, added: "These workers are claiming back what they had robbed from them due to BA’s callous fire and rehire during the pandemic.

“They received shocking abuse from passengers, all while BA is refusing to return their 10% pay cut.”