Rail pay strike misery 'to drag on'

The prospect of prolonged misery on the rails was raised last night by the leader of the Rail Maritime and Transport workers' union. Bob Crow said that his members were prepared to continue their pay dispute with the rail company until its franchise runs out in nine months time.

Rail industry sources also suggested there was limited incentive for Arriva to make a move to break the impasse.

The train operator is heavily subsidised by the Strategic Rail Authority and the Passenger Transport Executives to operate regional services.

General secretary Mr Crow said: "We are going to dig in and take as long as it takes. This will go on until we get a fair settlement and it could run until the end of the franchise."

The RMT is asking for an eight per cent basic pay rise for conductors and retail staff, but its demands have so far been rejected.

Fran Critchley, deputy secretary of the North-East Rail Passengers Committee, said Arriva finances were not being hit significantly by the series of walkouts which have taken place since the beginning of the year.

Revenue from ticket sales was also not being affected significantly on strike days because many people were already travelling on pre-pay tickets.

Ms Critchley said: "Both sides in this dispute have to be prepared to reach a compromise. It is not enough for Arriva to keep saying we are available for meaningful talks, they need to be taking the initiative if necessary."

Arriva Trains Northern is bidding to win the eight-year contract for the Trans-Pennine Express franchise which it currently runs and hopes to win the new Northern rail franchise, combining routes from both sides of the Pennines.

Julian Evans, head of corporate affairs at Arriva, said it would continue its stance not to give in to the RMT's "unreasonable demands".

* Retail staff at Arriva Trains Northern began a 48-hour strike on Tuesday. Conductors hold a 48-hour strike tomorrow and Saturday.