WORKERS on a key intercity railway are set to strike over a pay offer they say will create a “two-tier workforce.”

Rail union RMT says Virgin Trains East Coast, which was given a hefty bailout by the taxpayer last week, is attacking the terms and conditions of “hand-selected” train crew grades while leaving other positions “better rewarded and left alone.”

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The pay offer was put to our members and they rejected it by a large majority. Instead of negotiating the company has sought to impose the offer.

“Therefore RMT is now beginning the ballot for industrial action for our Virgin Trains East Coast members.”