UNION bosses have accused a train firm of “collapsing” emergency strike talks in a dispute over the role of conductors.

The Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) has agreed a further three strikes on October 6,13 and 20 after already striking on every Saturday in September.

However, Richard Allan, deputy managing director at Northern, which runs the trains services, said the union had changed the subject of discussions at the last minute.

Representatives from the two organisations were supposed to sit down with mediation firm ACAS to resolve a dispute over the introduction of driver-only operated trains, which would mean there would be no conductor on some trains.

Mr Allan said: “Northern invited RMT to ACAS talks and agreed to discuss the three options RMT had suggested beforehand on the role of the on-board member of staff. Northern was prepared to talk about the RMT’s options.

“However, RMT unilaterally changed the basis of what they were prepared to talk about. This is despite the fact that they have reached agreements on similar terms elsewhere in the industry.”

Mick Cash, general secretary of the union, called Northern’s actions “scandalous”, referring to the company as Arriva Rail North or ARN.

He said: “RMT members are standing solid, determined and united again this morning on Northern Rail in the continuing fight for safety, security and access on our trains and are angry and frustrated that the company collapsed this weeks ACAS talks rather than work out a deal. ‎This is the 28th day of strike action in the Northern Rail dispute and our members remain absolutely resolute in the campaign for a safe, secure and accessible railway for all.

“It is scandalous that while other train operators have been prepared to engage seriously with RMT on the crucial issue of a guaranteed second safety-critical member of staff on their services ARN have treated us with contempt and made a mockery of the talks process.”

While weekend trains through Bolton are not set to return until November, passengers travelling to other parts of the North were hit by the 28th day of strike action over this dispute on Saturday. Only 30% of trains are expected to run during strikes.