OUTSOURCED rail staff working on revenue protection and at ticket barriers for Northern Trains service walked out for the second day today.

The strike at Carlisle Support Services follows reports of bullying and harassment by managers, including attempts to pressure staff into breaking the strike, denying extra hours to union members, and forcing redeployments at short notice to remote locations, their union RMT says.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Our members have shown tremendous courage and unity by standing firm on the picket line for a second day and I congratulate them for that.

“All they are asking for is respect, fair pay and decent conditions that private contractor Carlisle could easily fulfil.

“Management needs to come back with a serious offer because our members will not be bullied or worn down and are prepared to escalate matters if necessary.

“This dispute highlights again why outsourcing has to end.”

Carlisle Support Services was contacted for comment.