Cabin crew at British Airways have voted in favour of strike action over what they argue is low pay.

Some 79 per cent of the crew that took part in the ballot voted for strike action, with over 2,500 members of the Unite members who crew long and short-haul routes to dozens of destinations now considering strike action.

This could come as soon as December 21st.

Since 2010 all British Airways new cabin crew employees have joined the ‘Mixed Fleet’.

Earnings were advertised between £21,000 and £25,000 but in reality start at just over £12,000 plus £3 an hour flying pay, argues Unite.

The crew have rejected a two per cent pay offer and on-board customer service managers are concerned they do not have collective bargaining rights.

Unite regional officer Matt Smith said: “Our members have overwhelmingly voted for strike action because British Airways’ pay rates are indefensible and the crew are at breaking point.

“Mixed fleet crew earn just over the minimum wage and below the national average.

“British Airways bosses need to wake up to the anger and the injustice here.

Some 79 per cent of the crew that took part in the ballot voted for strike action on a turnout of 60 per cent.

A British Airways statement said: “We are extremely disappointed that the union is creating uncertainty for our customers.

“Mixed Fleet Unite represents about 15 per cent of our cabin crew.

“We remain focused on resolving this issue as quickly as possible without any disruption to customers.”

BA added: “We have proposed a fair and reasonable pay increase to Mixed Fleet cabin crew which is in line with that accepted by other British Airways colleagues and which will ensure their reward levels remain in line with cabin crew at our airline competitors.”