Union chiefs have hit back in a war of words over impending strike action at Prestwick Airport.
Staff are to begin a series of walkouts which are due to last four weeks at the height of the summer season.
Services will be impacted when workers down tools each Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from August 5.
Airport bosses yesterday slammed the "confrontational approach" of officials at trade union Unite, claiming most staff were happy with a pay offer which would have seen pension employer contributions increase by two per cent.
But Unite chiefs say 78 per cent of members on an 84 per cent turnout backed the strike action, which will see security staff, firefighters, airfield operators, ground crew, ground handling, cargo customer service workers down tools.
Unite represents more than 80 workers at the flight hub where management are refusing to pay shift allowances and meet the Real Living Wage (£9.90) rate for new starters.
Workers have demanded a significant wage increase with inflation reaching a 40-year high at 11.7 per cent.
The last offer on the table for the workforce was between four and 6.5 per cent.
Talks are due to reconvene this afternoon in a last-ditch attempt to reach a deal that meets the aspirations of the workers before strike action occurs.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Prestwick Airport management have one last chance before their rock-bottom pay offer results in strike action.
"The last offer was not only well below inflation but it also proposes to pay new starters a rate lower than the Real Living Wage. Our members deserve the public's support in this battle, and we will fully support them in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions."
Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, added: "Unite’s members have overwhelmingly backed strike action because they are angry and frustrated.
"Talks are set to reconvene with Prestwick Airport management but we are not hopeful based on their arrogant attitude towards the workforce, while they shamelessly protect the pay packets of directors.
"All our members want is a fair rise and recognition for their flexibility and unsocial hours worked."
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
