YORK rail union leaders and the city's MP Hugh Bayley have held "clear the air" talks which were dominated by the ongoing strike action at Arriva Trains Northern.

Mr Bayley met members of the York Branch of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) at a city pub.

The Labour MP, who called the meeting, told union members he could not take sides in an industrial dispute.

But both sides held "constructive" discussions and pledged to keep each other informed in the future.

The RMT is engaged in a prolonged industrial dispute with Arriva. The dispute, over pay and conditions given to drivers, but not to conductors, has already seen two 48-hour strikes. A third is planned for March 1 and 2.

Mr Bayley had been criticised by some RMT members after declining to join strikers on the picket line during the first dispute.

But after speaking to the meeting, Mr Bayley, an RMT member himself, said both parties were now much clearer of the other's position.

Mr Bayley said: "We have had a good discussion. The RMT has given me details of where their negotiations stand at the moment, and what the dispute is about.

"I have explained that I have never taken sides in an industrial dispute but I am certainly more aware of the union's position.

"We agree on many things and disagree on others. Now we understand each other's position. We will continue to keep each other informed."

Bill Rawcliffe, York RMT branch chairman, said: "We just felt we needed to put our perspective on problems which have been happening. We believe that has taken place as a result of this meeting.

"He explained his position to us. We are his constituents and he is concerned about his constituents in York."

Mark Russell, York RMT branch secretary, added: "These talks were extremely productive. We needed to put our views to each other, face to face, rather than through a third party. We have done that and taken both sides' views on board."

Updated: 08:58 Monday, February 11, 2002