ROYAL Fleet Auxiliary ships could soon be lowering their flags, after seafarers voted for strike action by a massive margin.

Transport union RMT said workload, terms for apprentices and a complex new banding system for ranking employees were behind the decision to walk out.

The RFA, which serves as the navy’s supply arm, has imposed changes in these areas as part of its “Future Development Programme.”

The union said it had not been properly consulted before the decision to proceed.

In October, one of the fleet’s ships carried medics, food and equipment to Sierra Leone to combat the outbreak of the Ebola virus.

RMT has also expressed concerns that ships will be left inadequately staffed.

National secretary Steve Todd said: “We understand the importance of the role that every RFA seafarer plays in supporting our Royal Navy, but we fail to understand how the employer can make such massive distinctions between ranks in RFA.

“When it comes to the issue of pay and bonuses, there is no fairness or equity. They expect the lower rank of rating to fund the higher rank of officer, something we are not prepared to accept.

“They now need to recognise the anger that these issues have generated, anger reflected in this ballot, and take urgent and appropriate action to resolve our grievances.”

A spokesperson for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary told the BBC: “The RFA can confirm that there is a dispute with the RMT over terms and conditions of the Future Development Programme.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further while the process is ongoing.”