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Airport staff to go on strike before Christmas

Staff at 18 UK airports are planning a two-day strike from December 23.

Check-in staff, baggage handlers and cargo crew at Swissport are staging a walkout in a dispute over pay and conditions, according to Unite Union, which said it was the “last resort”.

Virgin Atlantic pilots have also voted for industrial action short of a strike in a row over union recognition, according to the BBC.

The Professional Pilots’ Union (PPU) said 89% of its members had voted in favour of the move and that the turnout had been 80%.

“Pilot goodwill” will be removed from December meaning some flights would not be covered.

Virgin said it did not expect flights to be affected.

PPU represents most Virgin pilots and was launched three years ago, breaking away from the British Airline Pilots Association [Balpa]. It wants to be the airline’s sole union.

“As we enter the third year of negotiations to achieve this aim, we urge the CEO of Virgin Atlantic to make a return to the table so that transfer of recognition can be concluded before the start of any action in seven days’ time,” a statement said.

The PPU said the industrial action could last indefinitely.

A statement from Virgin said: “We have been clear with the PPU leadership team that this action is unnecessary and we remain prepared to recognise the PPU once we have agreed the terms for voluntary recognition.”

Earlier this week, about 2,000 British Airways cabin crew voted to strike in a dispute over pay. The strike action could begin after December 21, but Unite has not yet said whether the it will affect travellers over Christmas.

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