The Unite union said more than 130 ICTS workers at Gatwick, employed to scan bags for explosives and other prohibited items, voted 95% in favour of striking.
Unite is seeking a 50p increase in hourly pay for its ICTS members “so they are paid the real living wage of £9 an hour”.
Regional officer Jamie Major said the airport’s ICTS workers had an “incredibly responsible” security role at the airport but felt “undervalued, demotivated and fed up”.
"Security and safety should be the absolute top priorities,” said Major. ““It is high time the airport got its priorities right and started investing in its hardworking staff.”
A Gatwick spokesperson said the airport had received reassurances from ICTS that mitigation plans were in place and that flights would not be impacted.
“In the interests of our passengers, we continue to encourage both sides in this dispute to work towards a resolution,” they added.
