RAIL union RMT has hit back at claims it is behaving recklessly by carrying out strike action on Scotland’s train network, crediting members for their resilience and determination.  

The union has faced severe criticism from Abellio ScotRail bosses after a fifth consecutive weekend of strikes took place yesterday in a dispute over overtime payments. 

ScotRail, which will move into public ownership next year, says its services were severely disrupted as a result. 

Conductors are locked in a row over a lack of extra cash for rest days — a benefit enjoyed by other staff grades such as drivers — and have held action on the past five Sundays.

The union said that Dutch rail operator Abellio is blocking talks and “lining its own pockets at staff and taxpayer expense in the dying months of [its] franchise.”

General secretary Mick Cash said the RMT was focused on increasing pressure on Scotland’s political leadership. 

He said: “The resilience and determination of our members in this fight is a credit to the entire trade union movement.

“Abellio bosses continue to frustrate any move to talks and are quite happy to cancel services, pocket their fees and milk the franchise dry while the‎ front-line staff are told there’s no money for a fair deal.”

Earlier this month, ticket examiners also voted in favour of strikes in the middle of the conductors’ walkouts, with industrial action due to start next Sunday.

ScotRail’s Phil Campbell said: “Strike action over increased overtime payments is completely wrong for staff and customers.”

He claimed: “At a time when we need everyone to work together to rebuild and create a more sustainable railway for the future, the actions of the RMT bosses are reckless.”