UNION bosses were today resuming talks with managers at Arriva Trains Northern in another bid to ward off further strike action.

York is the venue for more crisis talks between Arriva and The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) as the second in a series of 48-hour-strikes edges closer.

Conductors angry at pay and conditions, offered to drivers but not to them, are set to walk out on February 5 and 6 unless meetings between the warring parties can broker a deal.

Last week conductors brought North Yorkshire's rail network to a virtual standstill with their two-day action.

Following two days of workshops, formal talks resumed this morning with Arriva bosses hopeful of reaching agreement.

A source at the company said: "The good news is that discussions are still continuing."

RMT organisers have threatened 48 hours of strikes every month unless Arriva awards conductors an 18 per cent pay increase - in line with drivers.

Updated: 11:41 Wednesday, January 30, 2002