The UK’s largest trade union is urging its members to back Neil Findlay and Katy Clark as the new leaders of the Scottish Labour Party.
Unite said the recommendation came after detailed consultation with members’ representatives on its Scotland political committee.
Mr Findlay is competing against East Renfrewshire MP Jim Murphy and Sarah Boyack, a Lothians MSP, for the leadership.
Ms Clark, MP for North Ayrshire and Arran, is running for the deputy leadership job against Elgin woman Kezia Dugdale, a Lothians MSP.
Mr Findlay, a Lothians MSP, has already won the support of the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians, the National Union of Mineworkers, public sector trade union Unison and train drivers union Aslef.
Pat Rafferty, Unite leader in Scotland, said: “Neil’s impressive record of working for working people and their communities at Holyrood and in his role as shadow health minister won the day.
“In Neil we are confident that our members will find a leader who not only understands their concerns but will fight doggedly on their behalf.”
Mr Rafferty said Ms Clark was well known to members as a “fighter for working people”.
“We believe that they see in Katy someone determined to work for a Scotland that is a more equal and just nation,” he added.
“Too many of our members and too many in Scotland’s communities feel abandoned by politics, believing that while politicians want their votes they do not want their views.
“Katy Clark is not one of those politicians.”
Mr Murphy and Ms Dugdale have secured the most support from MSPs, MPs and MEPs for the leadership roles.
The ballot starts on November 17 and the new leader will be announced on December 13.