THE Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union is to seek the views of its members on the continuing pay dispute with Arriva Trains Northern.

The union, which represents hundreds of striking conductors, has been stung by recent criticism from Ray Price.

Mr Price, the managing director of Arriva Trains Northern, claimed that the RMT was out of touch with its membership and the vast majority of conductors wished to return to work.

The RMT's company council representatives have now begun visiting rail depots all over the region in a bid to gauge support for the industrial action.

Regional organiser Stan Herschel said: "Whatever the members are saying we will take on board, but we are quite convinced they will continue to back us.

"We have been on strike for nine days so far, with two to come, and we'll be asking them if they are happy with our stance."

Arriva Trains Northern conductors have been offered a basic three per cent pay rise and a further five per cent based on productivity gains.

But the RMT is holding out for a basic 9.7 per cent rise against the backdrop of an 18 per cent rise given to drivers last Christmas.

Its members have staged a series of walkouts on Arriva trains in recent months which the union says have been solidly backed.

The next stoppage will take place over 48 hours on Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4.