Passsengers faced the threat of disruption today as Gatwick baggage handlers held a second one-day strike.

More than 600 Transport and General Workers' Union members employed by Servisair were due to walk out at 3am in a row over working conditions.

The union has also called two 12-hour strikes for next Wednesday and Friday.

The action follows a one-day strike at Gatwick on Saturday, which managers said passed off without too many problems for passengers.

Madeleine Richards, the union's regional industrial organiser, said although action was being escalated, representatives were keen to discuss a resolution with the company.

She said: "Whatever spin is put on it by Servisair, they were faced by a massive walkout on Saturday and a massive cost to bring in three times the number of managers to do the work of the baggage handlers.

"It makes little sense to bear those costs again when they could and should return to the negotiating table and resolve this dispute."

A Servisair spokesman said he was confident the company's contingency plans would ensure minimal disruption for airlines and passengers.

He said: "Generally both the trade union and Servisair management have reached agreement on many issues. However, some have still to be resolved.

"Given that both sides appear to be willing to work towards an agreement, Servisair finds it difficult to rationalise the calls by the union for further strike action."