STRIKING conductors have been warned by Arriva boss Euan Cameron: "We won't back down".

The head of Arriva Trains told the Evening Press the company was simply not prepared to pay the £19,000 salary union bosses are demanding.

As conductors geared up for another 48 hour strike next week, Mr Cameron accused The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) of making unachievable demands.

He told negotiators the company was prepared to stick it out. But he denied that the rail operator was in crisis, despite the current upheaval.

"This (action) is adversely affecting our customers. We think we are being reasonable, the negative impact is on the customer," said Mr Cameron.

"We have told them (the RMT) we will not pay £19,000. We will not pay it. We will pay the three per cent and are prepared to negotiate productivity. We are hoping we won't have to stick it out."

Conductors are striking in protest at pay rises given to drivers which, they claim, have not been offered to them.

Arriva Trains Northern was yesterday blasted in an influential Parliamentary report which branded its performance as "disgraceful".

Station and ticket staff are in the process of being balloted and could soon join their conductor colleagues on the picket line.

Today, Mr Cameron apologised to passengers affected by the strike.

He announced that new talks at a "higher level" would be taking place between Arriva and the RMT today.

"I don't think we are in crisis at all. The disruptions are affecting people's lives and they are not going to be pleased about that," he said.

Mark Russell, RMT York and district branch secretary, said: "We have had no progressions and during talks we were the only side making concessions.

"We are fully prepared to stick it out too."

Meanwhile, train drivers at Arriva are now threatening to take industrial action at the way drivers have been disciplined for passing red lights. The drivers' union ASLEF is preparing to ballot its members for a 48-hour strike. The ballot is in protest at several drivers who have been relegated to platform work after passing signals at danger.

Updated: 11:31 Friday, February 01, 2002