Workers at Gatwick airport are being balloted over potential strike action in a dispute over pay.
Union Unite, which represents security staff, firefighters, trolley supervisors, surface transport workers and engineers at Gatwick, is due to begin the voting process on Friday (March 23).
The ballot will be completed on April 13 and strikes could begin in “late” April if members vote in favour of industrial action.
The union has initiated the strike ballot after Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) offered its members a “below inflation” pay rise.
Unite’s 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.”
Gatwick said in a statement: “Our focus remains on continuing discussion around pay in a positive and constructive manner directly with the trade unions and our employees.”