I AM one of the "scabs" Neil Sterio refers to and would like to comment on what he has written (October 30).

He suggests that we think we "can opt in and out whenever we want to and to hell with the consequences". This may be the case for some, but for most of us it is not. I chose to work normally (after taking part in several days of strikes) not because I want to opt in and out whenever it suits me, but because I could see that this dispute was, and still is, going nowhere.

The only people who appear to be not bothered about the consequences of this action are the union officials. Even some strikers are wondering what will have been caused by this action.

As regards his point about refusing to go along with a democratic decision, I started the job after the decision was taken, so how can I be refusing to take part?

When an offer was made, even though the union considered it to be an insult, the union did not put it to a vote. Why not if they are so sure of their position? Surely if it had bee put to vote and still defeated it would have strengthened the union position.

If I am breaking union rules, let them discipline me. If this is the case why are they still accepting my subscriptions; surely you do not accept money from someone who is breaking your rules?

David Barker,

Constantine Avenue,

Tang Hall, York.

Updated: 11:46 Tuesday, November 12, 2002