STAFF members at Liverpool's John Lennon Airport have voted to strike after rejecting a new pay offer, according to the GMB union.

The organisation warns bank holiday 'chaos' looms as 80 workers will walk out during a 36 hour strike.

But an airport spokesman has said it will be 'business as usual' during the strike.

A spokesman added GMB members have rejected the company’s proposed 'below inflation' pay offer of 2%.

Staff from aviation rescue and fire fighting services, the control room, engineering and driver operations and airport bird control will strike from 7pm on August 23 to 7am on August 25.

This will be followed by a further 12 hour strike beginning at 7am on September 3 and the union has warned further strike dates will follow.

GMB added members 'overwhelmingly' voted for strike action which will be their first this century.

Eddie Parker, GMB Organiser, said: “Liverpool Airport Ltd has failed to meet the aspirations of the GMB members, who have rejected the company’s proposed below inflation pay offer of 2%.

“We have informed the company strike action will not be suspended unless a 3.6% increase is offered.

“The company has allegedly employed outside third party companies to undertake the responsibilities presently undertaken by the aviation rescue and firefighting service and bird control personnel.

“GMB is currently unaware whether the outside agency workers have the necessary specialised skill set and personal fitness standards required to undertake these specialist roles.

“Whilst Liverpool Airport Ltd has financially invested in developing the airport over recent years, the same sadly cannot be said of their investment in their employees - who have had enough of being taken for granted by their employer.”

In a statement, the airport said: "The airport company put forward a pay proposal of a 2% pay increase, back dated to April 1, plus a £150 one off payment.

"However, out of 60 GMB Union members who voted, 36 chose to reject the company’s latest pay offer and have voted for strike action.

"The GMB have subsequently informed the airport that their members will commence an indefinite overtime ban from 23rd August onwards, plus strike action.

"This action will involve employees working at the airport in the fire service, airfield operations, airport operations control and car parks.

"The airport company is very disappointed with the result of this ballot and firmly believes that its pay proposal compares favourably with pay increases seen by many other private and public sector organisations.

"All Airport employees receive an excellent package of terms and conditions of employment including health care, sickness benefits and a generous pension scheme.

"Talks between the airport and the GMB to resolve this pay dispute will continue, however plans are in place that will ensure there is no impact on the passenger experience and that it remains business as usual during this time."