Passengers face the prospect of Easter holiday flight disruption at Manchester airport due to threatened strike action.
Civil air transport union Unite is balloting members working at the airport for industrial action in a dispute over restructuring.
The union claims the shake-up has resulted in job cuts, pay cuts and the introduction of an “unpopular” shift pattern.
Unite warned that industrial action will see passenger services at the airport “seriously disrupted” in the lead up to and during the Easter holidays.
The ballot commences tomorrow (Friday), with the result to be announced on March 23.
More than 100 Swissport ground handling staff at the airport, including baggage handlers and ramp operatives, will receive ballot papers this weekend.
Unite claims the company has refused to hold “meaningful” talks with the union over the reorganization. It is urging Swissport to resolve the dispute by seeking immediate discussion of the workers concerns.
Unite regional officer Lawrence Chapple-Gill said: "We are extremely disappointed that our members have to contemplate strike action in order to make the company listen to reason.
"We urge Swissport to sit down with us and discuss these restructuring plans properly, rather than simply impose them."
by Phil Davies
