The workers’ union RMT announced yesterday that more than 800 Stagecoach bus drivers, cleaners and engineering grades at garages in Exeter, Torquay and Barnstaple are involved in the dispute.

More than 78 per cent voted for strike action.

The union said its members were “furious” that Stagecoach’s offer was less than the RPI rate of inflation, currently 3.9 per cent, and so amount to a real-terms cut.

General secretary Mick Cash said: “Bus workers in the south-west provide an essential service across a wide geographical area and they deserve a fair deal on pay.

“At the moment, they are being offered a package that stacks up to a de facto pay cut and RMT’s executive has agreed with our local branches that that is entirely unacceptable.”

Union members will walk out for 24 hours from 4am on October 13, 17 and 30.