Baggage handlers vote for strike

Baggage handlers at Stansted Airport have voted to go out on strike in a dispute over pay.

Union leaders announced the planned industrial action on Wednesday in a dispute which involves 150 workers at the airport in Essex.

Members of the GMB union who are employed by Groundstar backed industrial action by 9-1.

Talks between the two sides are to be held next week in an attempt to avert a walkout and potential disruption.

The GMB said a pay offer of 3.75% plus improvements to shift premiums had been rejected by the airport's baggage handlers, who were among the lowest paid with salaries of £12,500 a year.

The union's regional organiser, Gary Pearce, said: "I hope this overwhelming 'yes' vote for industrial action will bring the company back to the negotiating table and that we can settle this dispute before the public are inconvenienced."