GATWICK airport workers will begin balloting for strike action in a dispute over a below-inflation pay rise — despite company profits rising by millions in the past year.

Their union Unite said workers have been offered 2.8 per cent increase — a “real-terms pay cut” — even though Gatwick Airport Limited’s profits rose by £35.5 million to £97.4m. It has also recently paid out £375m to shareholders in windfall and dividend payments.

The ballot will begin on March 23 and will be completed on April 13 and, if members vote for action, strikes could begin during late April.

Unite regional officer Jamie Major said workers were “disgusted” with the airport’s attitude and called for a “sensible offer” to avoid industrial action.

He said workers had helped the company achieve “record profits … 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.”