I WOULD encourage readers to write to the RMT union, urging them to give their members -- our conductors -- a ballot on the latest offer made by Arriva Trains Northern.

We recently increased our offer from three to four per cent after the RMT indicated that the offer would be accepted. We are therefore both astonished and frustrated that the RMT then decided to reject the offer, without putting it to a vote of their members.

We have no difficulty in recruiting conductors on their current rates and we are not losing conductors to other train operators. If the RMT continues with their policy of strike action, by the end of this year our conductors will each have lost £2,500.

The effect of strike action on our customers and employees in pursuit of the RMT's unrealistic demands is intolerable.

Please write to Bob Crow, General Secretary, National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, Unity House, 39 Chalton Street, London, NW1 1JD.

RAY PRICE, Managing Director, Arriva Trains Northern, Admiral Way, Sunderland.