STRIKE action at a troubled rail company is a foregone conclusion, it has been claimed today.

Sources in a leading rail union have confirmed that conductors at Arriva Trains Northern will almost certainly walk out in protest at pay and conditions.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers has begun balloting its conductor members over industrial action.

If backed by members, a strike could take place in just weeks as union representatives admit there is little chance they will go back to the negotiating table.

The union believes Arriva has failed to offer conductors an acceptable deal on pay and conditions, bonus enhancements and pensionable pay.

Conductors are angry that drivers have been offered considerable pay increases and bonuses while they have been told there is no cash for similar wage rises.

Leaflets sent out to all conductors urges them to back strike action claiming: "If you're sick of being treated with contempt...Vote Yes - because you deserve better."

Conductors are a vital part of Arriva's train staff. Without them, services cannot run. Any mass strike would effectively cripple the company's rail operation.

A female staff member at Arriva, who declined to be named, said: "We are expecting a massive yes vote.

"Our drivers have got their £4,500 pay rise and we are still not getting anything. The ballot is going ahead."

An RMT spokesman said: "The conductors are going to go out. This is because of the drivers package.

"You can't run a service without conductors. We are talking no trains here. We will bring them to a standstill.

"We don't want to do that. I think they are just not being realistic. They no longer have a pay structure which is either fair or transparent.

"I think we are talking about 80 or 90 per cent of conductors who will vote yes."

An Arriva spokeswoman said: "Employee negotiations are between ourselves and our employees."

* Meanwhile, the rail watchdog, the Strategic Rail Authority, today invited bids for the new Northern franchise.

The winner of the franchise, which covers Arriva Trains Northern and First North Western's current area of operation, will be decided during the next few months.

Arriva Trains Northern, which has been fined £13 million by the SRA for poor performance during the last year, must re-apply for the opportunity to run the new franchise.

Updated: 14:39 Thursday, December 20, 2001