Ballot papers on strike action were issued to 190 baggage handlers and service workers at Gatwick airport yesterday after they were offered a company barbecue instead of a pay rise.

The Unite members deal with baggage from airline Norwegian but are employed by a subcontractor.

Norwegian has refused to offer a wage increase this year, instead proposing that workers be “palmed off with a few burnt sausages” — an offer of a barbecue — according to Unite regional officer Jamie Major.

“The annual pay rise was due in May. Since then, the employer has made a derisory offer which has been overwhelmingly rejected by our members.”

“Our members need to be able to afford to eat every day,” he added.

Unite has dubbed the dispute “bucks not burgers.”

Warning that the strike action would cause severe disruption for passengers at Gatwick, Mr Major stressed: “Our members only consider taking strike action as a last resort.”

The ballot closes on October 13.