Strikes may be “inevitable” at Scottish Government body Marine Scotland, following failed pay talks this week.
Unite the Union said its members there could take industrial action unless the government makes an improved pay offer.
The union also confirmed that 90% voted in favour of strike action, with a 68% turnout.
Employees at the fishery protection fleet have been offered a 2% pay rise, which Unite claims is effectively a real terms pay cut.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members at Marine Scotland are now at the end of their patience.
“These workers perform vital and life-saving roles but they’re being told to, in effect, take a pay cut which is completely unacceptable.”
Further talks will be held next week and Unite has called for the Scottish Government to come back to the table with a more “realistic” offer.
Graham added: “The Scottish Government has to come back to us with a more realistic offer at talks next week or strike action is inevitable in the coming weeks.
“Unite has zero hesitation in defending our members’ jobs, terms and conditions at all times.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “The pay award for 2021-22 was several months overdue, and had been accepted by members of one of the recognised trade unions, we decided that it was appropriate to move forward and implement the award, which was done with end-February 2022 salaries.
“This decision was not made lightly but it was important staff received the relevant increases to their pay.”
The statement explained that the terms of the award, which included pay progression and non-consolidated payments to staff on the maximum of their pay range, saw eligible staff receive earnings increases which ranged from 2.5% up to 7.4% for the lowest paid staff.
“The Scottish Government remains committed to collective bargaining and is engaged in constructive dialogue with Unite on these issues - further discussions are arranged and we would encourage Unite to continue to engage fully in these discussions.”
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