Southern Rail has come under fire after a tweet encouraging passengers to tell the RMT union how they feel about strikes backfired.

The bitter row between the rail operator and the union shows no sign of easing after Southern’s post on Twitter today which ran alongside a picture saying “Let’s Strike Back”.

Southern Rail tweeted: “Time to get back on track. Tweet @RMTunion & tell them how rail strikes make you feel.”

But the post did not go down well with passengers, as one Twitter user branded it a “shameful attack” on the union.

Martin Cox said: "You brought this on yourselves. We, your customers are suffering. Let's be radical. Employ more staff."

Simon Cox posted: "You are kidding? I dislike unions but I dislike incompetent management more. You provide the service - get on with it."

Nik Fletcher said: "My connecting train home has been cancelled every day under revised timetable. And now you expect me to advocate for you?"

Your Local Guardian:

Southern Rail has been hit with strikes over a dispute about the role of conductors.

The long-running dispute over the role of conductors on Southern’s trains has led to months of industrial action by the RMT.

Last month the union announced 14 days of industrial action which will bring fresh travel chaos for hundreds of thousands of passengers.

The strikes will start on October 11 and will be held intermittently until December 8.

There was support for the company on Twitter, as well as criticism.

Alex Hayman wrote "@RMTunion #southernbackontrack make a compelling case. Time to start thinking about the customers and misery your action brings."

Mafhyou said: "@RMTunion I commute, times change, Govia guarantee terms. If conductors don't accept I say sack them all! #Southernbackontrack."

Calum McTidyup posted: "@RMTunion Drivers on @chilternrailway have closed doors for years. What's the fuss? #southernbackontrack."