More than 100 staff at one of the UK's biggest airports are gearing up to strike this Easter weekend, which could lead to travel chaos for those heading off on holiday. The industrial action has been organised over a number of grievances for workers at Gatwick Airport, including unpaid pensions, according to workers' union Unite.

These strikes are set to begin on Good Friday, April 18, and are expected to carry on until the early hours of Tuesday, April 22. Those walking out belong to Red Handling and their roles span across baggage handlers, check-in operatives and flight dispatchers.

This firm offers services to a number of airlines such as Norwegian, Delta, TAP and Air Peace.

An estimated 50 flights each day are handled by these workers, meaning that potential outcomes of the strike could lead to delayed flights, cancellations, baggage delays and extensive queues during check-in.

The industrial action has been announced due to multiple unresolved issues, notably the 'continued mishandling' of the company's pension scheme over the last year, according to the union.

Members of Unite have called attention to problems with their pension payments – some were missed altogether, while others were inaccurate, with certain employees not even having pension schemes established on their behalf. Complaints have also surfaced about late wages, with instances of employees having waited up to a fortnight for their salaries.

Union chief Sharon Graham said: "Workers have had enough of Red Handling playing fast and loose with their retirement plans and waiting weeks for pay they are rightfully owed for their hard work."

She added: "The union will not stand back and watch members be treated in such an appalling way and they have the full support of Unite in this dispute."

According to the union, Red Handling has neglected to set up a contractual arrangement regarding late payment of wages. Complaints also include newly imposed working patterns without proper consultation and failure to provide workers with the legally required 11-hour rest period between shifts or adequate breaks.

Unite's regional officer David Taylor said: "The way the workers have been treated by Red Handling has been nothing short of a disgrace. We're demanding that Red Handling pay all outstanding pension contributions immediately and compensate staff for retirement money they've lost, as well as commit to reimbursing them for late payments."

He continued: "There is also a health and safety issue due to Red Handling workers not being able to take adequate breaks so they can rest between shifts and we urge the company to take this seriously.

"Gatwick Airport says it expects the Easter holiday to be its busiest period of the year so far, so there is no doubt that industrial action over the long weekend will be extremely disruptive for travellers - however this is a dispute entirely of Red Handling's own making."

Red Handling has been approached for comment.