Staff at seven of the airports in the UK including Gatwick and London Heathrow, have casted their vote favouring strike action in the month of January. This would be very discouraging news for passengers and holidaymakers. Christmas holidays have already been spoiled by weak weather, and now these developments could further dent their enthusiasm.

Members of the workers' union Unite are preparing for an industrial action over the proposals for making changes in their pension rights by BAA-the owner of the airports. Two 24-hour walk-outs are scheduled for the 7th and 14th of January with a 48-hour strike which will start on the 17th of January.

The airports where the effects of the strike will be seen on the services include: Glasgow, Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Edinburgh, Southampton and Aberdeen.

A spokesman for BAA said, "We continue to believe that industrial action is unnecessary, as none of our existing employees will be affected by the changes to our pension arrangements. However, we do recognise there are important concerns and these will continue to be addressed through discussions with the unions and staff".

He further said, "We would ask for the understanding of passengers as we work hard to resolve this issue".

The workers which will be involved in these strikes are working for several key functions at the airports, such as members of the firefighter teams, maintenance and security. So, passengers of the aforementioned airports can expect some delays in flights on the concerned dates in January.