Rail firm's offer 'insignificant'

New strikes are set to happen over the new year

Union leaders have rejected as "insignificant" rail firm First North Western's latest pay offer for train drivers.

On Tuesday, Aslef said a 4% pay offer for its members in the North West was thrown out because of the way the wage increase was to be phased in.

The union has planned new strike action on 31 December and1 January 2003 and 2-3 February after rejecting the deal.

Walkouts by drivers on 14-15 and 21-22 December were suspended in light of the expected offer, raising hopes the dispute would come to an end.

It is typical that Aslef has gone to the media first before coming to us

First North Western spokesman

A similar dispute by Aslef with the newly-formed rail franchise Wales and Borders looks likely to be at an end.

The union has recommended its members to accept the company's pay offer.

On Tuesday, Aslef general secretary Mick Rix said of the First North Western dispute: "It is unfortunate that we at Aslef have had to set new dates for industrial action.

"But we were led to believe by management that the new offer would be a significant improvement and would meet the aspirations of our members on First North Western.

"Unfortunately this was not the case."

'Extremely disappointed'

Vernon Barker, managing director of First North Western, said he was pleased strike action planned for the next two weekends had been dropped.

But he added: "We are, however, extremely disappointed that notice has been given for further strike dates as we go into the New Year.

"We had, we believed, made significant movement towards Aslef's aspirations.

"We are still eager to continue talks with Aslef in the hope that we can resolve any other outstanding issues it may have."

The dispute began on 13 August this year over pay and conditions for train drivers.

Aslef claimed First North Western had introduced "new and unacceptable" proposals.

The train company said the union had reneged on a deal that it said would have seen drivers receive a 19% pay rise over three years.