British Airways cabin crew have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over pay.
Unite the Union confirmed 79 per cent of the crew that took part in the ballot voted to strike on a turnout of 60 per cent.
The action could start after December 21, although Unite has yet to give final details on dates.
The planned walkout follows the rejection of a 2 per cent pay offer.
The dispute affects staff who joined the airline from 2010 on ‘Mixed Fleet’ contracts - expected to work on both short and long haul flights – and feel they are not paid enough.
“Since 2010 all British Airways new cabin crew employees have joined the Mixed Fleet,” Unite said in a statement. “Earnings were advertised between £21,000 and £25,000 but in reality start at just over £12,000 plus £3 an hour flying pay.
“The crew have rejected a two per cent pay offer and on-board customer service managers are furious they do not have collective bargaining rights.
“The managers have also endured a six year pay freeze. Meanwhile, Willie Walsh pocketed €8.8 million. British Airways and the parent company IAG reported profits of €1.4 billion, up 64 per cent on last year.”
A BA spokesman 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."
The spokesman 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."
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