Gatwick airport workers are to be balloted over whether to strike in protest over what the Unite union describes as a ‘below inflation pay offer’.
If workers support industrial action then strikes could begin by the end April.
The workers, who are members of Unite, the UK’s largest union, have been offered a below inflation increase.
Unite says the below-inflation offer comes at a time when the profits of Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) have risen by £35.5 million to £97.4 million, in the past year.
It adds Gatwick recently gave shareholders £375 million in windfall and dividend payments.
The ballot for industrial action will begin on Friday March 23 and will be completed on Friday April 13. If members vote for action, strikes could begin during late April.
Unite’s members at Gatwick Airport include security staff, firefighters, trolley supervisors, surface transport workers and engineers.
Gatwick is currently operating at record capacity with the number of passengers accessing the airport having increased by 7.7 per cent.
Unite regional officer Jamie Major said: "Workers at Gatwick are disgusted with the company’s attitude.
"Their hard work means the company has achieved record profits, and they are dealing with record numbers of passengers, yet they have only been offered a real terms pay cut.
"Our members who are working harder than ever are not going to stand idly by and accept what will be a real terms pay cut.
"If GAL wants to avoid strike action which will inevitably lead to widespread disruption for passengers, then the management needs to return to the negotiating table and make a sensible offer."
A Gatwick spokesperson said: "Our focus remains on continuing discussion around pay in a positive and constructive manner directly with the trade unions and our employees."
