THE threatened rail strike is about a number of issues, one of which is travel facilities for new starters.

I find it incredible that the rail workers are prepared to strike over this.

New starters in any industry sign a contract on the terms offered. If they do not like the content, they do not have to accept the post offered; what they have not had they will not miss.

It is a pity that some years ago, when ABB in York closed and workers with more than 30 years service lost their travel facilities on being made redundant, that at that time the trade unions did not put in as much effort to retain their free travel as they seem to be willing to do now for new starters.

AP Cox,

Heath Close,

Holgate, York.

Updated: 11:21 Monday, May 24, 2004