THE continuing cycle of rail strikes will resume next week when station and retail staff at Arriva Trains Northern (ATN) hold another walk-out.

Rail misery will continue for North Yorkshire passengers during a 48-hour dispute of ATN administrative staff on May 30 and 31.

ATN's administrative staff have been striking since January in protest at pay and conditions.

The company has refused to bend to their pay demands stressing the "fair" offer they believe they have made.

At the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), which represents many station and clerical staff, there is disappointment that the dispute has not yet been resolved.

Steve Coe, York TSSA negotiator, said: "We are very disappointed that the company is unable to make an offer to us and get us into negotiations.

"Very serious questions should be asked of the company's ability to manage the franchise."

It is also understood that conductors may hold another strike during this period.

Leaders at the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) met yesterday in new talks. They must give ATN eight days notice of an impending strike.

At the RMT, York negotiator Allen Heath said: "Discussions were going on at a board meeting and a decision will be made."

Ray Price, managing director of Arriva Trains Northern, said: "We are still going through the process of discussion and remain fully available.

"We are keen to see the dispute resolved."

Updated: 11:23 Tuesday, May 21, 2002