ARRIVA TRAINS DISPUTE

Motion Text

That this House is deeply concerned at the failure to resolve the long-running pay dispute between Arriva Trains Northern and conductors and retail staff; notes that strike action has been taking place since January and that further strike action is scheduled through to February 2003; further notes this is the longest rail dispute in modern times and that the continuing failure to reach an agreement is detrimental to rail users and the economy of the North of England; further notes with concern that the renegotiation of the Arriva rail franchise and the intervention of the Strategic Rail Authority may have prevented an agreement; and therefore urges the Government to take all steps to encourage a negotiated settlement to resolve this dispute.