Baggage handlers at Liverpool John Lennon Airport have held meetings with management to try to resolve a dispute which has led to workers voting in favour of strike action.

Members of the GMB union had earlier voted in favour of a series of walkouts, in protest at plans to cut their pay by 40%.

The first is due to start next Monday.

The airport employs 120 baggage handlers and says it needs to cut costs to remain competitive.

The workers' union - the GMB - says it is unacceptable that a quarter of staff are being asked to accept a 40% wage cut.

Management says the money it saves by cutting the salaries of some workers will enable it to take on 30 more staff.

The savings will also allow it to give other employees a wage increase.

A spokesman for the airport said: "We hope the dispute will be resolved.