ARRIVA conductors could be balloted in the new year over whether to end their near year-long strike action against the train company.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has indicated that it may be willing to ballot members despite rejecting the latest pay offer from the company.

Union chiefs are thought to be increasingly exasperated at the failure to find a breakthrough in the dispute.

The strike, which began last January, has also hit many conductors hard in the pocket. RMT regional organiser Stan Herschel said it was possible members could be balloted in January over whether or not to continue strike action.

But he made it clear that most within the union felt it should continue and that the latest offer made by Arriva following formal talks was unacceptable.

Arriva has offered conductors a four-per-cent basic pay rise with one per cent on top from changes to working practices plus a £200 lump sum.

This fresh offer was rejected by the union without members being balloted.

The RMT has already said it intends to press ahead with 24-hour strikes on December 21, 23, 24 and 31, hitting Christmas travel in the region.

Arriva Trains Northern managing director Ray Price said: "It is difficult to understand the union's agenda.

"Whilst other unions up and down the country are prepared to reach realistic settlements with their employers, the RMT refuses to bring an end to this damaging dispute.

"The offer made to the RMT is better than offers that have been accepted by the RMT at other train operating companies this year. I would urge our conductors to demand a more sensible approach from their union."

Arriva claims that more than 25 per cent of its conductors have indicated that they will not strike over the Christmas and New Year period.