The RMT Union has declared a dispute with Virgin Trains East Coast and will open a strike ballot next week.
Ballot papers will be distributed from Tuesday July 26 and will close on Tuesday August 9, involving nearly 2000 staff across all grades.
The union claims the company is trying to push through a package of measures which would threaten jobs, working conditions and safety.
In response, Virgin say they are puzzled by the RMT's decision to ballot as they have ruled out compulsory redundancies.
