TRAIN bosses today warned their striking conductors that they stand to lose £250 each if they carry out a threat to walk out over the Christmas period.

Ray Price, managing director of Arriva Trains Northern (ATN), said staff would be hit hard in the pocket if they stuck to plans to strike on four dates over the festive season.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) is threatening to hold disputes over pay and conditions on December 21 and 23, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Mr Price said the company, unable to find a solution to the 11-month strike, was disappointed that the union intended to hit customers during a busy period.

But Stan Herschel, York organiser for the RMT, said he refused to get involved in a "numbers game" with Mr Price.

He said the strike was still going strong, despite ATN claims that it was "crumbling".

Mr Price said: "We are very disappointed that the union has decided to hit what is undoubtedly one of the most important times in the year for so many people.

"Should the RMT instruct strike action on these dates, our conductors could each lose at least £250. Over the last 12 months we have put three different offers to the RMT - all of which it has rejected without allowing its members to vote.

"The union has also refused to consider ways to increase its members' pay through modernisation. However, we remain available for realistic talks with the RMT at any time."

Mr Herschel replied: "I don't want to get involved in the numbers game with Ray Price. He has constantly misinformed the travelling public.

"The strike is strong and it is our view that services will be disrupted on strike days."

Updated: 11:52 Wednesday, December 11, 2002