RAIL union RMT accused ScotRail of “declaring all-out war” on its workforce yesterday by preparing a “scab army” before a strike has even been voted for.

The accusation comes after emails emerged confirming that the Dutch owners Abellio are recruiting “a scab army behind the scenes — proving that they have no intention of reaching a negotiated settlement in the dispute,” according to the union.

RMT has balloted its members for industrial action by drivers over the extension of driver-only operated trains next month.

The emails, which have been attributed to Abellio project director Mick Schofield, attempt to “coerce” staff from elsewhere in Abellio’s UK operations to undertake a four-week training course in June so that they can “become a scab guard in the event of any action.”

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The attempt to coerce staff from elsewhere in Abellio’s UK operations into joining this scab army is nothing less than a declaration of war by Scotrail on its workforce.”

He said: “The revelations show that far from their so-called assurances that there is no threat to the guards, behind the scenes Abellio are gearing up to try to break their workforce using the kind of dirty tactics that remind us of the miners’ strike.”

A ScotRail spokeswoman said: “It will come as no surprise to anyone that we are making contingency plans as to how we run a service for our customers in the event that this needless strike takes place.

“We want to talk. We want to find a solution. We are willing to guarantee jobs and we are willing to guarantee terms and conditions.”