UNOFFICIAL strike action is set to cripple train services on New Year's Eve.

Arriva conductors are expected to call in sick on December 31 to protest against salary levels.

The action will effectively halt the company's rail services, which include links from York to Leeds, Harrogate and Manchester.

A spokesman for the Rail, Maritime and Transport union said: "I have heard a lot of rumours that this unofficial action is being planned, although it is not the union's policy and we cannot condone it.

"Feelings are running very high over this, and if members feel that is what they want to do there is no way that we can stop them. I don't think that there's any doubt that it is going to happen."

The action follows calls for a £6,500 pay rise for conductors, in line with increases already agreed for drivers.

A conductor, who asked not to be named, said: "We are completely sick of the fact that Arriva doesn't appear to be listening to a word we are saying.

"We are incensed. This action is going to happen and it will stop the vast majority of Arriva's trains."

Arriva must legally have a trained guard on board its trains, and cannot run them without one.

Ballot papers for official action by the RMT are expected to be out today, although legal time limits mean a strike could not start before January 15.

The RMT spokesman said: "We are expecting a massive yes vote in favour of strike action.

"But if our members decide to take unofficial action because that is all they can do before January 15, there is nothing that we can do to stop them."

Meanwhile, the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association, which is involved in talks with Arriva concerning a pay deal for station, retail and administrative grades, said talks had broken down.

If a deal is not reached soon, the union said it would be in dispute with the company.

Steve Coe, the TSSA's negotiations officer, said: "All we want is a fair deal for the staff who have to deal with Arriva's angry passengers day in, day out."

An Arriva spokeswoman said: "Any negotiations and dialogue between ourselves and employees are simply that, and we will not comment on them."

Updated: 10:52 Friday, December 21, 2001