British Airways (BA) cabin crew will hold 12 days of strikes during the Christmas period, in a dispute over job cuts and staffing levels.

Unite members voted nine-to-one in favour of striking from 22 December until 2 January, meaning that up to one million passengers could have their trips cancelled.

BA says it is exploring "all options" to help cope with the strike, and insists that it will not back down on its decision to reduce cabin crew numbers.

Willie Walsh, BA chief executive, said: "It is very sad that [the union] are seeking to use the Christmas holiday plans and family reunions of hundreds of thousands of people to try to pursue their case."

The airline is trying to rework flight schedules. It is also considering legal action, such as an injunction, to prevent the walkout.

Unite has called for talks to resolve the dispute before the strikes but has taken a similarly tough stance.

Len McCluskey, Unite assistant general secretary, said: "We have taken this decision to disrupt passengers with a heavy heart and we are hoping that the company can still avoid it happening."

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