Aer Lingus baggage handlers set to strike at Heathrow

Aer Lingus baggage handlers at Heathrow Airport could be set to strike after talks aimed at averting a strike broke down, raising the prospect of disruption for air travellers.

Members of Britain's Transport and General Workers Union working for two companies run by Swissport are now set to walk out for 48 hours from Sunday morning.

They work as baggage handlers and check-in staff for 21 airlines including Aer Lingus, El Al, Malaysian and Singapore Airlines.

The union said many of its members have received no pay rise for 18 months.

Officials claimed that the company walked out of the talks, which were held near Heathrow airport for more than four hours.