Thousands of British Airways cabin crew have voted in favour of strikes in a row over sickness absence, pay and staffing, it was announced today.

Members of the Transport and General Workers Union backed industrial action - threatening serious disruption to services - by an overwhelming majority of 96%.

At the start of a meeting attended by more than 1,000 BA cabin crew today, union officials announced that 8,132 people had voted for strike action, with only 330 voting against.

The postal ballot saw a turnout of more than 80%, one of the highest figures seen in recent union disputes.

Crucial talks between the two sides will be held tomorrow in an attempt to avert strikes.

Jack Dromey, the deputy general secretary of the TGWU, said the strong vote for action showed how serious the situation had become.

"The reasonable men and women who are the BA cabin crew have been pushed too far and have had enough,” Mr Dromey said.

"The 96% vote in favour of strike action sends an unmistakable message that there has been a breakdown in the relationship between management and the cabin crew, who are a priceless asset without whom BA cannot succeed.

"BA must build trust, and start by hearing the voice of the workforce. A new settlement is crucial, built on respect for the cabin crew."

The union said cabin crew were angered at the way in which sickness absence was dealt with by the airline, claiming staff were under pressure to turn up for work even if they were unwell.

Workers were also unhappy about pay, terms and conditions, which they said had been eroded by a new management regime.

The union said there had been a serious breakdown of industrial relations, but added it believed a negotiated settlement could be achieved.

BA is also facing a separate dispute over planned changes to its pension scheme.

Many of the cabin crew members wore their BA uniforms when they attended the meeting at Heathrow today.

They cheered as Mr Dromey and other officials arrived, and stood to applaud when the result of the ballot was announced.

A spokesman for BA said the airline was “very disappointed” by the union's “threat of what would be completely unnecessary industrial action”.

“We have arranged to meet T&G officials this week, and we very much hope they will enter meaningful discussions with us on the issues the union has raised,” the spokesman added.

"The union says that one of its key concerns is pensions, yet we have just concluded 16 months of talks by accepting a proposal put forward by the T&G and our other unions.

"On that basis alone, we believe the T&G should pause to reflect before threatening the travel plans of our customers and their families.”