TALKS to resolve a long-running industrial dispute over the role of guards on trains have failed, raising the possibility of further strikes.

The conciliation service Acas oversaw a meeting between Northern Rail and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union today (Wednesday, September 19) but said the meeting was not a success. An Acas spokesperson said: “Arriva Northern Rail and RMT were unable to make any progress in resolving their dispute. There are no further meetings planned at the present time.”

The RMT has claimed safety will be compromised by plans to reduce the number of guards and extend driver-only rail services.