Workers at six airports are being balloted for strike action by the Unite union.
Unite is to ballot more than 6,000 members based at BAA airports, including Heathrow, in a dispute over pay.
It has accused BAA of offering a 'paltry' pay offer for 2010 after a pay freeze in 2009.
BAA issued a statement today saying: "We are disappointed that Unite is to ballot members across its UK airports for strike action.
"During recent discussions with Unite, we proposed a conditional 1.5% pay increase.
"We believe this to be a reasonable offer at a time when BAA and its airline customers are seeing a decline in passengers due to the impact of recession and volcanic ash.
"We regret Unite's decision, which will cause unnecessary concern for millions of passengers and damage Britain's reputation around the world."
by Bev Fearis
Travelmole
