Passengers flying British Airways over Christmas could face big disruptions after union leaders served notice to ballot thousands of cabin crew staff on strike action.
The dispute over new contracts and job cuts comes after BA confirmed another 1,200 positions would be axed following a record six-month £292m loss.
Unite said its 13,300 members would begin voting on whether to strike on November 16 - the day the airline's new controversial employment contracts begin.
The ballot will close on December 14 and the union will then have to give seven days' notice of any industrial action.
It raises the threat of strikes in the days before the busy festive season.
Union leaders predict a big yes vote in favour of action.
They have complained that the new contracts involve lower pay and worse conditions, although BA insists the terms will not affect current employees.
Unite also accused the airline of failing to consult on the decision to cut 2,000 cabin crew jobs nor on plans to impose "fundamental changes" to working practices.
The union said it had "no other option" but to press ahead with its ballot, adding that the cuts in cabin crew numbers from November 16 was "unfair and unworkable".
The loss of 1,200 positions at BA takes the total job loss to 4,900 - including voluntary redundancies and those agreeing to work part-time.
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