ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

British Airways cabin crew have announced they will strike on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in a row over pay.

The airline said it was “appalled” at the "heartless" decision by Unite union and promised to get its customers to their destinations.

The row involves around 4,500 so-called mixed fleet cabin crew who joined BA since 2010. Unite say they are on lower pay than other staff.

BA, which employs around 16,000 cabin crew, said in a statement: "We have been informed tonight by Unite that it has called strike action by mixed fleet cabin crew on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

"We are appalled that Unite proposes to disrupt customers' travel plans on such special days when so many families are trying to gather together or set off on well-deserved holidays.

"This calculated and heartless action is completely unnecessary and we are determined that it will fail.

"We will plan to ensure all our customers travel to their destinations so that their Christmas arrangements are not ruined. We will publish more details within the next 72 hours.

"Meanwhile, we have also approached the conciliation service Acas to seek their assistance in reaching an outcome that would avoid any possibility of disruption."