RAIL union leaders today reacted angrily after Arriva Trains Northern (ATN) scrapped rest-day working for conductors.

The move, detailed in a letter from ATN managing director Ray Price to conductor staff, withdraws the practice with immediate effect.

An Arriva statement claims the move will hurt conductors looking to recover pay lost during strike action.

Mr Price insisted the company has sufficient conductors to run services, without paying overtime for conductors to work on their rest days.

He has also warned conductors that the longer the dispute continues, the less able the company will be to fund a three per cent basic increase - the amount currently on offer.

The moves were attacked by members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) who fear it will cost conductors vital money.

Mr Price said: "From the very beginning of this process we have been very open and clear about how much we could pay conductors.

"ATN is a subsidised business which relies on taxpayers' money. This has to be taken into account when considering any pay deals, along with the impact on future investment in the rail industry and on other public services generally.

"We cannot and will not give in to unnecessary on-going industrial action."

Conductors are striking in protest at pay rises given to drivers, but not to them. The next strike is planned to take place on March 1 and 2.

Mark Russell, York RMT branch secretary, said: "If there are enough conductors, why are members still working rest days?

"The union is very unhappy about this. In practical terms, there is very little we can do about it.

"However, we are holding a new ballot to cover the 'no fare' action and this policy on rest days will be included in that ballot."

Updated: 10:31 Saturday, February 23, 2002