Heathrow refuelling staff plan strike

Talks aimed at averting a strike which could cause travel chaos at Heathrow Airport will be held today.

The move follows the announcement of plans for a 24-hour strike of workers who refuel aircraft at the London airport. It is due to start on Friday.

Yesterday, the British Transport and General Workers Union said the strike would hit 40 airlines, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, American Airlines and Air Canada.

The union accused refuelling company AFS of offering different rates of pay to workers, ending final salary pensions and downgrading sick pay.

The union, which is seeking an 11% pay rise, is to hold talks with the company later today.