Baggage handlers at some of the biggest airports in the UK are threatening to walk out on strike in a dispute over pay.

Employees of Swissport - who work at Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester airports – voted in favour of industrial action earlier.

Some 94 per cent of workers polled by Unite voted in favour of a strike.

A statement from the union explained: “In the light of this overwhelming mandate for action Swissport has requested talks which we are happy to attend so we can try to resolve this matter,” said Unite national officer Oliver Richardson.

The dispute centres on the company’s decision to freeze workers pay for 18 months, from April 2012 through to October 2013, followed by a below inflation increase of just 2.5 per cent.

”Our members are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living and Unite believes Swissport is failing to recognise the contribution its staff are making to the success of the company,” added Richardson.