A RAIL union has launched a petition in an escalating dispute with Scotrail.

RMT members have been taking action against the train operator which runs services from Carlisle to Newcastle, Preston, Leeds, London and Scotland, including stations at Lockerbie, Gretna, Annan, Wetheral, Haltwhistle and Brampton.

They've held strikes on the six consecutive Sundays to May 9.

It has now been extended to for another six Sundays.

The new of strikes will affect a number of routes in Scotland.

The dispute is over enhanced rest day working payments.

General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “All grades of ScotRail workers have worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to keep rail services running.

“All ScotRail conductor and ticket examiner members are seeking is parity between grades.

"It is a kick in the teeth for workers, despite their commitment in the pandemic.”

A ScotRail spokesman said: "The RMT's strike action, in a bid to force a 50 per cent increase in overtime payments for no additional hours worked, is wrong, divisive, and should be called off.

"Passenger numbers and revenue dropped by more than 90 per cent in the pandemic, but thanks to Government support we haven't cut jobs or pay.

"Now that lockdown restrictions are gradually lifting, we need to work together to attract more people back to the railway.

"The reckless actions of RMT bosses puts that at risk."

The petition can be found here: www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/pay-justice-and-equality-for-scotrail-workers