SCAB managers were accused of “serious safety failings” when they stood in as guards during strike action at Northern rail over the weekend.

Rail union RMT said the incidents yesterday were the latest in a string of safety violations during the union’s 29 days of strike action at Northern.

The operator wants to abolish the role of safety-critical guards on trains and introduce more profitable driver-only operations.

RMT members at Northern and several other operators are resisting with strike action.

The union is staging strikes weekly at Northern, which operates services from the Scottish border to Nottinghamshire, and between the east and west coasts.

RMT regional organiser John Tilley told the Morning Star: “On Saturday there were two serious safety violations by scab managers and office staff.

“Both involved train doors. In one case, the scab opened the train doors without carrying out safety checks.

“One of my members was once disciplined for doing that, but these incidents involving scab managers and office staff have been happening since we started strike action.”

The incidents will be reported tomorrow to the government’s Office of Road and Rail, which can fine rogue operators.

“Northern cannot be allowed to get away with sweeping these incidents under [Transport Secretary] Chris Grayling’s carpet,” said Mr Tilley.

“The strike was rock solid. Strike-breaking services were reduced to one train an hour out of Blackpool, as senior managers seem to be less committed to working as scab guards on Saturdays, so our members are winning the dispute.”