Baggage handlers at low-cost airline EasyJet are today being balloted on whether to strike over pay, and cabin crew will start voting next week.
The British-based Transport and General Workers' Union (T&GWU) said it had been trying to negotiate a pay rise since May and that the company wanted to link any increase to performance.
The baggage handlers' ballot will close on September 2nd, while the result of the cabin crew voting is expected a few weeks later.
T&GWU regional officer Mr John Street said he expected a "yes" vote for action by the baggage handlers. "Our members are supporting our call for strike action in pursuance of a realistic pay offer and to secure an agreement on recognition."
The company had imposed a 1.3 per cent pay rise on staff while the union was seeking a "substantial increase" he said.
The T&GWU said EasyJet was refusing to recognise the union even though baggage handlers and cabin crew wanted it to represent them on issues such as pay.
About 110 baggage handlers represented by the T&GWU work at Luton Airport, and 300 cabin crew are based at Luton, Belfast, Gatwick, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
PA