The strike could hit airport services in December

The Amicus union is set to ballot 200 security, fire and maintenance workers at Birmingham International Airport.

It said allegations of unauthorised absence, falsification of records and breaches of trust had no foundation.

Airport bosses said they did not believe staff would support the action because of their "professionalism".

The union is helping the pair take claims for unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal.

'Unblemished service'

Officials claimed surveillance techniques used by management were in breach of data protection and human rights laws.

Amicus officer Peter Coulson said: "Birmingham International Airport is facing a strike over Christmas because two of our members with 52 years unblemished service between them have had their careers ended on grounds that are completely without foundation.

"The union totally refutes the allegations made against these men. The workers in question enjoy wide support among their colleagues and we will be looking to conduct an industrial action ballot in the next week.

"Amicus will also be seeking legal advice on the company's use of covert surveillance tactics."

Voting will start next week and the result will be known in mid November.

However, an airport spokeswoman said: "Our staff pride themselves on professionalism and we do not believe they will support the proposed strike action."

'Safety implications'

The airport said the two airside safety officers left site on seven consecutive shifts for a total of 55 hours and they signed for work that they did not do.

The decision to dismiss them for gross misconduct was upheld following an appeal.

The airport spokeswoman said it continues to offer independent binding arbitration.

She said: "Falsification of records is a very serious issue that can have safety implications. What they did goes totally against all airport procedures.