Air strikes threat for weekend

Thousands of air travellers using Heathrow and Gatwick this weekend were today left with no guarantee their flights would not be seriously delayed or cancelled at the last minute.

The giant Transport and General Workers Union has ordered strike action among ground staff at both airports in unrelated disputes over pay and working conditions.

At Heathrow 40 workers employed by aircraft refuelling company AFS plan strikes tomorrow and Saturday in a row over pay and pensions. The group represent 40 per cent of the specialised workforce which fuels the aircraft at Heathrow. AFS last night improved its pay offer and union leaders meet to consider this today - but they are refusing to recommend the deal to the fuel tanker drivers.

At Gatwick nearly 600 baggage and cargo handlers and maintenance staff have voted for two 24-hour strikes - on Saturday and next Thursday. The strike, over claims of "increased working pressure", is still scheduled to go ahead and there are no new talks planned for today.