Northern Isles ferries RMT staff back strike action
Members of the RMT union working on the Orkney and Shetland ferry routes have voted for strike action.
It follows plans by new operators Serco Northlink Ferries to cut jobs.
The RMT said 108 votes were cast, and 95 said they were prepared to take strike action, with 13 against.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "This ballot result shows that our members are prepared to fight for their future livelihoods. The result will now be considered by the RMT executive."
Stuart Garrett, managing director of Serco NorthLink Ferries, said: "NorthLink Ferries were advised of the outcome of the recent ballot today and remain hopeful that dialogue between the employer and the RMT, which has been on-going since 18 October, will continue with the objective of avoiding industrial action."