More than 2,000 GMB members will take part in the industrial action ballot, which runs from Friday 25 March until 12 noon 8 April.
If workers vote to walk out, a strike could take place as early as 22 April.
Workers have already rejected a below inflation pay increase of just 4 per cent next year
Cadent Gas is the largest of the four gas distribution network companies, maintaining the gas network to homes and businesses throughout five regions in England; North West, East and West Midlands, East Anglia and North London.
Cadent made an operating profit of £901 million in 2021, while CEO Steve Fraser was paid £1.4 million in 2020/21.
Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said:
“GMB members have already rejected a pay deal - what Cadent is offering amounts to a big real terms pay cut.
“There is a cost-of-living crisis and inflation is rocketing.
“Cadent is struggling to recruit because it doesn’t pay enough and its workforce is going elsewhere to better paid jobs.
“The company made £900 million profit last year and needs to wake up what happening in the jobs market and the issues facing workers.
“The bottom line; pay more or face strike action."
