A series of strike ballots are being held among workers at Luton Airport including firefighters, security guards and baggage handlers in four separate disputes over pay and zero hours contracts.

Members of Unite employed directly by the airport, Menzies Aviation, Clece Care Service Ltd and International Currency Exchange will start voting next week on whether to launch campaigns of industrial action.

The results will be announced in mid-May and any action could start by the end of next month if there is support for walkouts.

Unite officer Ian Maidlow said: “Luton Airport workers, regardless of their employer, deserve a decent rate of pay for their work and to be treated fairly by management.

“These ballots demonstrate that members will no longer accept paltry pay packets and unfair treatment while their bosses constantly squeeze every last penny to boost profits.”

A Luton Airport spokesman said: “Given we have made a revised pay offer in-line with the current rate of inflation at 2.5% and negotiations are ongoing, it is disappointing to see Unite balloting for industrial action.

“Our staff receive a remuneration package in-line with the rest of the market, including a competitive salary, private health insurance and a generous pension scheme.

“In addition, our staff receive a share of profits, which this year is likely to be in the region of £5,000 for every qualifying employee”.