Twenty-eight security staff at Norwich Airport are to be balloted in June on whether to take industrial action in a dispute over pay.

The GMB union, who represent the 28 staff, who are employed at Norwich Airport by its contractor, Wilson James, is organising a vote on whether to take industrial action after rejecting a two per cent pay rise.

The negotiation over pay is with the airport.

GMB regional officer, Ivan Mercer, says: “Members are fed up with below inflation rises. These are security officers that are the first line of defence not just for Norfolk but the whole of GB [Great Britain]. To think that this group of workers are worth less than £8 per hour is appalling.”

The union wants a pay rise of four per cent, but was only offered a two per cent pay rise.

The union balloted the staff and all 28 voted to reject the offer and to proceed to a ballot for industrial action.

The industrial action ballot result will be available by the middle of June and if action takes place it is likely to occur from 22 June.

The trouble at Norwich Airport follows the closure of Manston Airport in May.