Southampton Airport baggage handlers have voted for summer strikes over a "bad deal" pay offer from employers Aviance.

A hefty 80 per cent want to walk out if the dispute can't be resolved, threatening widespread disruption to the busy summer holiday period.

Together with baggage handlers at 16 other UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, Southampton workers were among the 821 who voted, of whom 658 backed strikes.

A majority of four to one want to take action, saying record passenger numbers mean a 2.5 per cent pay offer is far from enough. The proposal contrasts with last year's 4.2 per cent, which was made at a leaner time for the industry.

The TGWU said the vote put pressure on Aviance managers to resolve the row or "face a series of damaging strikes".

The union's national officer Brendan Gold said: "This is a resounding vote by our members which sends a clear signal to Aviance that they must improve on the offer.

"The talks this Wednesday will now take on an added significance. Everyone is aware that aviation is a tough market and nobody is better placed to know that than the baggage handlers and check-in staff.

"They also know that the volume of their work is increasing as the industry gets busier and passenger numbers break record levels.

"They know a bad deal when they see one, which is why we urge Aviance to listen to their workforce and act to improve the deal on offer and so avoid a damaging dispute."

Aviance staff pointed out there are talks scheduled to take place tomorrow.

"There's a meeting planned to find a way ahead," said a spokesman.

Southampton Airport believes the dispute will be settled without disruption to passengers.

"We are confident that talks this Wednesday will bring a positive conclusion and we would like to reassure passengers it is business as usual," said a spokesman.

A previous strike by baggage handlers saw managers at the airport's biggest operator Flybe abandoning their desks to pitch in and help with passengers' suitcases.

Members of the GMB union are also being balloted for industrial action over the same dispute.