RAILWORKERS in both ScotRail and the Caledonian Sleeper have backed strike action as they battle pay cuts.

RMT members in the Scottish government-owned companies voted overwhelmingly to walk out, winning a 85 per cent strike mandate on a 64 per cent turnout at ScotRail and 90 per cent support on a 66 per cent turnout at Caledonian Sleeper.

Workers had been offered 2 per cent backdated to April, with a further 1 per cent from January, but rejected the “derisory” sub-inflation offer amid fury that MSPs had awarded themselves a 6.7 per cent pay rise over the same period.

Welcoming the result, RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch said: “I congratulate RMT members in ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper for this fantastic ballot result.

“Talks with both sets of employers will be convened in a bid to resolve this dispute.”

Both ScotRail and the Scottish government expressed disappointment at the ballot.

ScotRail’s Phil Campbell said they “remain committed to continuing discussions with our trade union colleagues.”

A Scottish government spokesman warned: “The issues at hand need to be settled but there can be no increase on the current ScotRail pay offer.”