The Unite union says hopes of resolving a dispute with ICTS have faded after the company threatened workers who choose to strike with disciplinary action.

Unite’s ICTS members at Gatwick, employed to scan baggage for explosives and other prohibited items, have voted 95% in favour of strike action.

The company employs more than 130 security personnel at Gatwick. Unite is seeking a 50p increase in hourly pay “so they are paid the real living wage of £9 an hour”.

ICTS staff at Gatwick are due to walk out for 48 hours from 6am on Saturday (10 August).

Unite claims ICTS has twice written to the union to brand the strike illegal and warning if workers do walk out, it may result in disciplinary action “up to and including dismissal”.

As a result of ICTS’s “threat”, Unite on Tuesday (6 August) announced a further four days’ strike action over 20-24 August.

Jamie Major, Unite regional officer, said: “Our members undertake a crucial role which keeps passengers and airport workers safe. If ICTS wishes to resolve the dispute, then the company needs to drop the threats, sit down at the negotiating table and end poverty pay rates for its members.”

A Gatwick spokesperson said the airport had received reassurances from ICTS 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.

TTG has approached ICTS for comment.

The action is the latest in a string of strike threats this summer, with airports, airlines and passengers still sweating on the outcome of threats by British Airways pilots and Heathrow workers to stage industrial action this summer.