The result of a ballot of 5,000 workers proposing strike action at seven UK airports was expected to be revealed today.
The action could close Gatwick, Heathrow and Southampton as key safety workers, including airport firefighters and security staff, would be likely to take action.
The staff who have voted are members of the Unite union and were expected to support industrial action in protest against moves by airports operator BAA to end the final salary pension scheme. Although some reports suggest the action could start as early as 28 December, most observers believe that it will be early in the New Year before any strikes begin.
Trade unions representatives Unite, PCS and Prospect , who represent workers from all seven BAA airports met with the company last week in an unsuccessful attempt to reach agreement on the dispute.
The unions argued that the decision on the pension scheme must be reversed, as it was clear the scheme was financially sound as it has an account deficit of £29 million against assets of ?2.2 billion.
