The British Airways dispute is set to flare up again with the expected rejection of a deal aimed at ending a long-running row with cabin crew.
Members of the Unite union are believed to have voted against a proposal which would have resolved a bitter row with the airline, raising the threat of fresh strikes.
Unite is not expected to name strike dates but could say early next week what form of action will be taken.
Union activists have been pressing for a lengthy walkout following a series of stoppages in March which caused travel chaos for passengers and cost BA tens of millions of pounds.
The dispute was inflamed on Thursday when a union official representing cabin crew was sacked, the fifth union member to be sacked by the airline as a result of the dispute.
Duncan Holley, branch secretary of the British Airways Stewards and Stewardesses Association (Bassa), a section of Unite, worked for the airline on its Eurofleet business.
The 54-year-old said he had been sacked for his union activities, including taking time off to carry out his union duties.
A Unite spokesman said: "The company's vindictive operation of the disciplinary procedures seems designed to hinder any peaceful resolution of this dispute."
The union will lodge an appeal against Mr Holley's sacking.
A BA spokesman said: "It is entirely appropriate and reasonable for us to investigate serious allegations of misconduct. The company's disciplinary process has been in place for many years and has been agreed with all of the airline's recognised trade unions, including Unite."
