The wave of industrial action which has plagued Britain's railways is now spreading to the country's busiest airport.

Hundreds of British Airways workers at Heathrow have voted to go on strike over pay.

Unite and GMB union members who are mostly check-in staff backed industrial action yesterday.

A total of 700 workers are set to walk out during the summer holidays, when demand from travellers is expected to be near pre-pandemic levels.

The unions said the action was due to a 10% pay cut imposed during the peak of the pandemic not being reinstated.

Unite members recorded a 94.7% vote in favour of industrial action, while 95% of GMB members backed the walk outs.

The BBC reports that the strike dates will be confirmed in the coming days.

It is understood that, if the industrial action goes ahead, BA, which operates from terminals three and five at Heathrow, has plans to cover staff, including managers potentially dealing with check-ins.

However, there would still be disruption for passengers, especially at terminal five, leading to cancellations.

More 24-hour rail strikes on way?

Meanwhile, the RMT union has said Scotland is "extremely likely" to see more 24-hour rail strikes after this week if talks between bosses and unions continue to fail.

There have already been walk outs on Tuesday and Thursday and tomorrow sees the final day of industrial; action this week.

Major disruption is being experienced by rail services across Scotland.

The north-east has been badly hit on the strike days, as there are no ScotRail services between the area and the rest of Scotland.

It could be Monday before services improve significantly on the railways north of the border.

ScotRail has warned that, on the days following strike action, there would be disruption caused by the reopening of signal boxes at different times across the country.

Latest talks to end the national strike broke down with RMT boss Mick Lynch accusing the UK Government of blocking a deal, a claim it denies.

ScotRail has urged people to check their journeys in advance.

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT told the BBC that Saturday's strike might not be the last.

He said talks would continue and he would consult members to see "if and when there needs to be a new phase of industrial action".

"But, if we don't get a settlement, it's extremely likely there will be," added Mr Lynch.

About 40,000 Network Rail staff are involved in the dispute over pay, working conditions and redundancies.

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