STRIKE action will take place at Southend Airport over Christmas after talks with union bosses broke down.

The GMB Union says it had no option left but to strike, after bosses at Southend Airport and Stobart failed to agree to “recognise the union”.

Its members working in baggage handling, security, aircraft dispatch and flight operations will be striking on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Talks between bosses at Stobart and the union have now broken down.

A meeting between GMB officials and Stobart Aviation Services, arranged by ACAS, took place in an effort to stop strike action, but the company continued to refuse the union recognition.

It is alleged Stobart Aviation refused to engage with union on the issue altogether.

Southend Airport bosses insisted a comprehensive action plan is in place to avoid disruption.

Gary Pearce, GMB regional organiser said: “Despite the assistance of ACAS talks have broken down and it is now inevitable that our members at Southend Airport will be taking strike action on Christmas Eve, Christmas day and Boxing Day.

“Both Stobart Aviation Services and Stobart Aviation have refused to prevent the travel chaos at Southend by refusing to provide the GMB with a formal agreement.

“We made a number of requests to both companies to agree to recognise GMB but the company have failed to listen, therefore taking strike action is our only option.”

Stobart was contacted for a fresh statement yesterday as the strike was confirmed, but bosses referred to a previous statement.

A spokesman for Southend Airport previously said: “London Southend Airport has a comprehensive action plan in place to ensure that this suggested action from GMB does not impact on our passengers’ well-earned Christmas breaks.”