FIREFIGHTERS based at Southend Airport could strike over a pay dispute if an agreement is not reached soon.

The union GMB is preparing to conduct an official strike ballot for members employed by Stobart Aviation at Southend Airport for industrial action.

Discussions have been taking place since June last year after the fire crews expressed anger at not having received a pay rise in almost four years.

The ballot will run from Thursday until December 4.

Gary Pearce, GMB Regional Officer, said: “Members working for Stobart Aviation at Southend Airport are paid between £4,000 to £6,000 per year less than fire service personnel working in equivalent category airports in the area.

“They have not received an increase to their basic pay in almost four years and just want a fair pay rise that addresses the pay differential.

"They are disappointed that Stobart are failing to meet their aspirations on pay, leaving GMB no alternative but to ask our members if they wish to take strike action.”

Airports require specially trained firefighters on hand at all times and the personnel are licensed to work at Southend Airport specifically as each airport has their own operating procedures.

Mr Pearce claims a strike would mean the airport would not be able to operate.

Stobart Aviation, part of the Stobart Group, has owned and operated the airport since 2008.

It was announced in October that pre-tax profits for the six months to August 31 this year were up.

This was mainly due to the partial disposal of Eddie Stobart Logistics but they also saw passenger numbers at Southend Airport increase by 25 per cent to 610,500.

Mr Pearce added: “No one wants to strike. We just want it resolved. We’ve offered to sit down with ACAS but they have refused.”

Glyn Jones, chief executive of Stobart Aviation, said: “We are always happy to discuss any concerns with our employees and we are willing to engage with GMB London to consider any issues involving their members.”