Workers at one of the country's busiest airports have voted to strike in a row over jobs, it was announced today.
Members of the Transport and General Workers Union at Manchester airport backed industrial action by 726 votes to 151.
The union has mounted a campaign against cuts at the airport which it fears will compromise safety.
The dispute centres on management plans to cut 140 security jobs from the current staff of 700.
Union leaders will meet later today to decide their next move, which could lead to strike dates being named.
The union has warned against any cuts in security in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York.
A Manchester airport spokesman said the ballot was "premature and unnecessary" because negotiations had not been exhausted.
He said the job cuts could be achieved through voluntary means.
TGWU general secretary Bill Morris said: "In the aftermath of September 11, everyone except the members of the Manchester airport board agrees on the need for increased security, not less."
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