Workers who refuel aircraft at Gatwick Airport are to take strike action in a row over union recognition.

The 15 workers will walk out for 24 hours on Wednesday, May 2 and again for 48 hours on Friday, May 4.

The dispute centres on a call by the refuellers to have the Transport and General Workers Union fully recognised. The refuellers claim their walkouts will disrupt flights.

According to the union, the refuellers' employer, GRS, which is partly-owned by BP, Total and Texaco, is only offering minimum recognition.

Kevin Hall, the union's regional industrial organiser, said: "All our members want is the right for the T&G to play a full part in representing them and negotiating for them.

"GRS knows how our members feel and how they are prepared to strike over the issue."