UNION chiefs have denied that cracks are appearing in the resolve of rail strikers, after a leaflet demanding a new ballot was circulated among conductors.

As a 24-hour action again brought misery to passengers across North Yorkshire today, leaders at The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), in York, have moved quickly to pour scorn on suggestions that morale of striking conductors at Arriva Trains Northern is wavering.

A leaflet, available on the Internet, urges them to demand a new ballot on strike action.

It states: "Are you sick of this dispute? If you are sick of it, phone York office or the RMT head office and demand a new ballot to see how many conductors do want to carry on losing money." Conductors have been striking since mid-January in protest at pay and conditions offered by managers at Arriva. They are angry that a generous pay increase handed out to drivers at the under-fire rail operator was not given to them.

Union leaders have always insisted that industrial action has been backed unanimously by members.

Mark Russell, York RMT branch secretary, said today that this was still the case. He has denied suggestions that conductors were not committed to continuing the strikes.

He said: "This is an unofficial notice. We won't be holding another ballot over strike action. We don't need to. I have not heard or seen this before. If conductors have a view they should let us know so we can discuss it. The strike is still solid, as it has always been. The union is not concerned about this."

Julian Evans, director of corporate communications at Arriva Trains Northern, said: "We continue to remain available for meaningful discussions. The continuation of this dispute is not in the interest of anyone. It is not in the interest of our employees, the company or our customers.

"We would welcome a very early return to the table for meaningful discussions."

Station and clerical staff at Arriva Trains Northern also returned to the picket line today, continuing a 48-hour dispute which began yesterday.

Updated: 11:34 Thursday, March 28, 2002