Workers at Heathrow threaten to strike during February school holidays

Travel firms are braced for a ‘sucker punch’ as workers at Heathrow threaten to strike during next month’s school holidays. 

More than 400 employees of airport services company Menzies are being balloted for strike action. 

Turbulence: More than 400 employees of airport services company Menzies, which carries out baggage handling and refuelling for major airlines, are being balloted for strike action

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said staff are struggling after ‘a two year pay freeze’ and cost of living rises – and now need a pay rise. 

The staff provide two services – handling baggage for airlines including Lufthansa and Aer Lingus; and refuelling planes for British Airways. 

The poll will close on January 27 and potential industrial action could occur in mid-February. 

SkiYodl boss Oli Dannatt said: ‘It could be a massive headache for families who have already had to deal with enough disruption from changing travel restrictions.’ 

He added that it is ‘another sucker punch for the ski industry’. 

Menzies said it hopes to achieve an ‘amicable resolution’.