Airport staff at three busy UK airports have been balloted for strike action proposed for the August bank holiday weekend.

Airport ground staff at Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester have been balloted for strike action over the August bank holiday, following discontent over Swissport’s lack of promised pay rise.

According to workers’ unions GMB and Unite, the aircraft handling company Swissport has refused to pay workers a previously-agreed pay rise.

Gary Pearce, GMB London Regional Organiser said “GMB can confirm that Swissport have refused to pay a rise of 2.75% which was the second part of a 2 year deal and which was due in April 2009. GMB have balloted our members for strike action.”

Should the strike go ahead, it will affect the busiest travel weekend of the year as baggage handlers and ground staff cease working at three of the UK’s busiest airports.

A spokesperson for Swissport has commented: “Swissport has made every effort to minimise the impact of the current market conditions on its employees. Any industrial action will jeopardise such efforts and threaten future prosperity of the company and jobs.”

The result of the ballot will be known on Friday 21 August, at around 2pm.