The Unite union said more than 160 of its members employed by Heathrow baggage engineering contractor Vanderlande Industries have voted to walk out over 8-10 April.

On a ballot with a 77% turnout, 97% voted for strike action. Unite said the strike would impact all airlines at Heathrow, including British Airways, KLM, Air France and Lufthansa.

Vanderlande’s technicians, duty engineers, process managers and control room operators manage the airport’s baggage handling systems. Unite said the firm’s proposed pay freeze came despite its 2021 financial report highlighting a 27% increase in orders and 14% growth in revenue.

General secretary Sharon Graham accused the company of "cashing in on the travel sector’s recovery" while refusing employees a pay rise despite rising living costs.

"Employers across the sector are on notice that our members are ready to fight back against the sustained and opportunistic attacks against jobs, pay and conditions that have blighted this industry for far too long," added Graham.

According to Unite, Vanderlande claims the pay freeze is necessary because the cost of increasing wages is passed directly to Heathrow airport.

A Heathrow spokesperson said: “We are aware of planned industrial action from Vanderlande Industries colleagues who operate at Heathrow.

"While we are not involved in the pay discussions, we will of course remain in close contact with Vanderlande Industries and other airport partners when it comes to our operations, including helping them to mitigate any passenger impact should the planned industrial action go ahead.”

TTG has approached Vanderlande for comment.