British Airways is awaiting the result of a strike ballot of cabin crew staff in a row over working practices.
British Airways (BA) cabin crew have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a dispute over sick leave, pay and staffing.
The Transport and General Workers Union is confident the vote of 11,000 workers will back a walkout after a "serious breakdown" in industrial relations.
Members of the Transport & General Workers Union backed the industrial action by 96%, a move that threatens serious disruption to BA's services.
It said BA's attitude towards sickness, planned pension scheme changes and pay rates for some grades were all factors.
BA managers and the union are now due to hold talks on Tuesday to try to avert a series of walkouts.
BA said it was keen to avert industrial action and the two sides are expected to have further talks on Tuesday.
BA was not immediately available for comment.
'Serious breakdown'
The T&G union said at the weekend that there had been a "serious breakdown" in relations with the airline.
"BA's success and reputation is built on the loyal workforce that have stuck by this airline through thick and thin," said T&G regional secretary Steve Hart.
"Yet while profits and share prices rocket, cabin crew have seen their terms and conditions attacked, an imposition from management rather than negotiation.
"It is a serious breakdown of industrial relations."
The union said cabin crew workers claimed they were under pressure to turn up for work even if they were unwell.
