RAIL union RMT called on Serco to “get out of the trenches” as the Caledonian Sleeper strikes entered their second day today.

The RMT reiterated calls for the privateer operator to come to the table for talks and demanded that the Scottish government intervene to force a fair settlement.

RMT members launched 48-hour strike action from Sunday across the sleeper’s route.

The dispute is over work-related stress and what the union describes as “intolerable pressure” after the public-services giant failed to deliver on earlier promises to improve conditions.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “If Serco thought they could continue to ignore their duty of care to the Caledonian Sleeper staff, they should look at the total shutdown of their services as we enter the second day of this strike action and they should think again.

“It is frankly disgraceful that the Scottish government have chosen to sit on the fence while staff on this important and prestigious rail link have been kicked from pillar to post.

“They should get off their backsides and start taking some responsibility.

“I want to pay tribute to our members who are standing firm on the sleeper services again today.

“They have refused to put up with appalling working conditions and have chosen to stand up for workplace justice in the face of a profit-driven employer. They are a credit to the entire trade union movement.”

Serco’s managing director of the Caledonian Sleeper Ryan Flaherty said: “We are deeply disappointed and frustrated at this industrial action by the RMT, but most of all we are bemused as they have been unable to explain what will bring this dispute to a resolution.

“This action is completely unnecessary and we urge the RMT to come back and tell us what they want.  We are ready to go to mediation and hold further discussions.”