We are in dispute with Arriva, not the travelling public

Steve Coe, TSSA

"It would mean there was less money to invest in the services that are needed for the North of England.

"Arriva Trains Northern is a subsidised business which relies on taxpayers' money.

"This has to be taken into account when considering any pay deals, along with the impact on future investment in the rail industry and on other public services generally."

But Steve Coe, TSSA negotiations officer, said Arriva committed itself to making an offer a month ago.

"It is time that the public, the Strategic Rail Authority and the government challenged the company as to why it is that they won't even sit with us with us. We want to talk - they don't.

"Our expectation is that the effect of the strike on the train service will be minimal.

"We are in dispute with Arriva, not the travelling public.

Strikes co-ordinated

"By bringing about the closure of ticket offices, TSSA is targeting the revenue of the company.

"Having awarded their drivers an 18% increase to bring them into line with drivers in other rail companies, TSSA believes it is only fair that Arriva should treat their other staff in the same way."

TSSA members are striking on 25/26 April and 1/ 2 and 30/ 31 May.

Members of the RMT are due to take action on 3/ 4 May as part of the same dispute.

Arriva said it remained available for talks with the unions.