Airport workers vote for strike

Workers will hold two 24-hour strikes later this month

Cabin staff and baggage handlers are to stage two 24-hour strikes at Manchester Airport.

More than 97% of baggage handlers and check-in staff employed by ground services company Swissport voted in favour of the walkout on Tuesday.

Union members are unhappy with a "paltry" 3% pay offer.

Staff who are members of the unions Unite and GMB are due to walk out on Wednesday 27 August and again five days later on Monday 1 September.

Union officials will meet Swissport bosses at conciliation service Acas on Wednesday to hold talks aimed at averting strike action.

Pay 'unacceptable'

Last week it was announced that Swissport staff working at Gatwick and Stansted airports would walk out on bank holiday Monday and Friday 29 August.

Swissport union members at Birmingham and Newcastle airports are also to be balloted for action.

Unite is objecting to a new pay offer and sick pay arrangements.

Mick Whitley, Unite regional officer based at Manchester Airport, said: "Swissport's intentions to cut our members' sick pay and offer a paltry wage deal when food and energy costs are spiralling is unacceptable.

"The staff working for Swissport at Manchester Airport are making it abundantly clear that they will not accept the erosion of their pay and terms and conditions."