CONDUCTORS from strike-hit Arriva Trains Northern are planning a dramatic new tactic in their pay dispute - "no fares days" for passengers.

If union members vote for the action in a ballot, conductors will turn up to work on selected days, but without obliging passengers to pay for their tickets.

The move comes after talks broke down yesterday between Arriva bosses and union officials in London over pay rise discrepancies offered to conductors and guards which fell short of large increases recently given to drivers.

York and district branch secretary of the RMT union Mark Russell said: "We aim to hit the company, but don't want to hurt passengers.

"We also want to thank passengers for bearing with us during this dispute."

However, he said the no fares days would not initially replace strike action, with the next strikes still planned for March 1 and 2.

Stan Herschel, RMT regional organiser, said: "It is quite clear that Arriva are not moving one iota. They are saying 'We are in for the long haul and your members will get sick before we do'.

"If this is going to go on for a long time the travelling public are going to get slaughtered. We decided to seek legal advice on what to do instead of a strike.

"That advice said it was OK if we have a ballot. I think when the situation is explained clearly to our members they will see it is a positive move."

Arriva would not be drawn on the nature of the union's shift in tactics, saying only: "Arriva Trains Northern met with the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union to seek a resolution to the dispute concerning the 2002 pay award for conductors. Regrettably, no progress was made.

"ATN remains available at any time for meaningful discussions with the RMT and urges the conductors not to create further inconvenience."

Updated: 11:09 Thursday, February 21, 2002