Security workers at Leeds Bradford airport have voted to strike in a dispute over pay.
The GMB said managers at the airport have implemented discretionary and performance related bonuses which are inaccessible to many security staff.
The union is calling for an immediate substantial increase in the hourly rate of pay for security staff.
GMB members will walk out at the end of August if a “meaningful offer” to increase their pay is not forthcoming, said the union.
The vote was over nine to one in favour of strikes.
GMB official Rachel Dix said: “This is a powerful result, with a very high response rate, most of the votes were cast over the first two days of the ballot such was the strength of feeling and motivation of our members to ensure that they are finally heard.
“All they are asking for is a wage which will afford them a decent standard of living.”
The airport (LBA) said on Thursday the dispute relates to less than a quarter of its security staff.
A statement said: “LBA has engaged openly and co-operatively with GMB throughout the pandemic.
“However, prior to the notification of industrial action, LBA had not received any request from GMB to enter into negotiations for future additional salary increases.
“This action has come without warning and without discussions with LBA.
“Since February 1 2022, LBA has increased total remuneration of front-line security staff by 11.1% and more highly skilled security staff by 15.6%.”
Airport chief executive Vincent Hodder said: “We are disappointed at this cynical move to industrial action before requesting any negotiations.”
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