By Ellis Butcher

A TRAINS boss has urged a rail union to “get round the table” and let arbitrators step in to solve a long-running dispute.

Train operators Northern Rail and the RMT remain deadlocked over company plans to introduce “driver-only operated trains”.

The stand-off has led to more than 40 days of industrial action affecting passengers using the Furness Line and Lakes Line.

The union is running a “keep the guard on the train” campaign and said they are needed to protect and help passengers.

But Northern Rail has insisted it has guaranteed to provide a “second person onboard every train” in an effort to overcome those concerns.

Chris Jackson, a regional director for the Northern service, recently addressed South Lakeland District councillor.

Mr Jackson said: “Before Christmas, Transport for the North and DfT reached agreement to guarantee a second person on board every train, which is a significant step forward. We thought that would unlock RMT to be able to meet and engage in constructive talks.

“Unfortunately we haven’t seen that. What we have offered the RMT is an ACAS 214-inquiry.”

ACAS is a broker during industrial disputes and is the non-governmental Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

Mr Jackson said the process would involve “an independently-appointed chair” agreed by both sides in the stand-off.

He said: “They will oversee everything in relation to driver-controlled operation and what that might mean for the second person onboard that train.

“The inquiry would hear from groups interested in accessibility, security and customer service, and everything else.

“ We think that’s the best way to unlock this current deadlock. Ultimately, the argument remains around what the safety-critical responsibilities will be for that second onboard person. Our position is that’s a guarantee of a second person onboard satisfies any issues with accessibility, security and revenue collection and customer service. We would urge the RMT to get around the table with us and ACAS to move this forward.”

But speaking ahead of last weekend’s strike, the RMT said the company “snubs all efforts” to get talks going and plans to “throw guards off their trains and rip up the safety rule book”. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said in a statement the company “resorts to a barrage of complete misinformation” and urged officials to “stop spinning and start talking”.

Mr Cash said: “It is the sheer determination and unity of our members over 45 days of action that has kept the fight for safe and accessible rail travel for all across the Northern franchise in the spotlight while the company refuse to get out of their bunker and enter serious talks around the core issue of the guard guarantee, “said Mr Cash. “If Northern are prepared to stand in front of a TV camera rattling on about the second person on their trains then why aren’t they prepared to put some fresh proposals on the guard guarantee in writing to the union?”