Commuters hit by Arriva strike over pay

Thousands of passengers hit by the first day of a 48-hourrail strike yesterday were warned to expect more industrial action. The RMT union said conductors at Arriva Trains Northern were prepared for a "long, drawn-out" battle over pay.

The company, which operates throughout northern England, had to cancel two-thirds of its 1,600 services. Those that ran were staffed by managers.

Management at South West Trains, which has also been hit by strikes, said it could not estimate how many services would operate next week when two 24-hour stoppages are due to start at midday on Monday and Wednesday.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said of the disputes: "There is no reason for passengers to be inconvenienced and used as pawns in the way that they are." But Downing Street also launched a concerted effort to soothe trade unions furious over Tony Blair's attack on "wreckers" who are opposed to Labour's plans to reform the public services.