Manchester Airport is the third busiest in the UK
About 1,800 workers at the airport, many from the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU), could take industrial action from 28 December.
They say the move is to fight compulsory redundancies and protect workers' terms and conditions.
But the airport says strike action is not the way forward and wants to continue a series of meetings with workforce representatives.
Manchester Airport had originally planned to axe 90 jobs, and, although that number now looks likely to be reduced, it appears redundancies will still go ahead.
The jobs are due to go as part of the airport company's restructuring following the acquisition of Bournemouth and East Midlands airports this year.
The TGWU, whose stance is being supported by the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union (AEEU), and Manufacturing Science and Finance union (MSF), wants to see the airport support a no-redundancy policy.
'New Year strike'
Dave McCall, north-west regional secretary for the TGWU, told BBC News Online: "Our members have said overwhelmingly that they want a vote on proposed industrial action.
"It has taken us a long time to get to meet with board members from the airport, but when a meeting did take place on Tuesday it really turned out to be a bit of a waste of time.
"Staff from middle managers to baggage handlers are livid and the groundswell of feeling against the management is very strong."
He said the union was also opposed to proposed cuts to security staff at the airport.
The airport workers involved in the strike ballot include firemen, security guards, airfield marshallers, engineers and clerical staff.
Ballot results will be announced on 21 December, and any action could take place over the New Year period, although both unions and airport have pledged minimum disruption to passengers.
An airport spokesman told BBC News Online: "We still believe this ballot is premature, and do not think industrial action is the answer.
"Talks are ongoing and we think a solution can be reached - we are trying very hard to avoid any compulsory redundancies.
"The message to the travelling public is that it will be "business as usual" whatever the ballot result."
Business strategy
In October the TGWU said it had obtained an airport document which proposed 30% cuts to security, as well as to the airport's fire service and car parks.
The airport admitted a business review was being drawn up, to look at ways of increasing growth.
Manchester is the UK's second largest airport owner after buying East Midlands and Bournemouth International operations for £241m in early 2001.
Manchester Airport, the UK's third busiest, also bought a controlling interest in Humberside Airport in 1999.
Earlier this year the airport also opened its second runway, the first full-length commercial strip unveiled in Britain in more than 20 years.
In October a spokesman for Manchester Airport said shareholders had begun a review of business strategy.
Its purpose, they said, was to grow the business, provide the highest quality service and improve our position in a highly competitive industry.
They said: "Our priority is, and will remain, to have the highest levels and quality of service - particularly in matters of security."