STRIKES are planned next week by rail conductors after they rejected what they called "an incredible shrinking pay offer" by their employers.

More misery is expected for Warrington commuters after the RMT rail union revealed it was unhappy with a new pay deal offered by Arriva Trains Northern.

The announcement comes as retail and station employees, from the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, finally agreed to accept a four per cent raise in a separate dispute.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Our members have spoken very clearly and after a year of strike action they have again decisively rejected an insulting offer which is worth less with every passing day."

Union members will travel to London on March 12 to lobby Parliament.

Ray Price, managing director of ATN, accused the RMT of not engaging in discussions about modernisation and said: "We are very disappointed at the outcome of the referendum, particularly as the RMT has accepted offers at ATN and other companies which are similar to, or less than, what we have put forward."

The clash between employers and the unions has resulted in industrial action, which has caused chaos for people who regularly use Warrington's Bank Quay and Central stations.

Strikes are set for February 26, 28 and March 3, 5, 7 and 10.