GATWICK baggage handlers have voted overwhelmingly for strike action after they were insulted by management who offered them a company barbecue instead of a pay rise.

More than 200 workers employed by Omni Serv and working for Norwegian contractors Red Handling are set to walk out for 24 hours on October 30, which coincides with the end of the busy half-term holiday period.

The baggage handlers, who are members of union Unite, voted in favour of strikes by 91 per cent.

Unite regional officer Jamie Major said strike action was a “last resort” after the company refused to enter meaningful negotiations.

“To add insult to injury, it was thought that our members would accept being palmed off with half-cooked burgers rather than receive a pay rise.

“Our members need to be able to afford to eat every day and not just when the company decides to provide them with a few burnt offerings,” he said.

Mr Major urged bosses to get round the table to resolve the dispute and make a reasonable pay offer to members.