Rail passengers face disruption as over 1,000 railway workers are to be balloted for strike action in a row over pay.

Arriva Trains Wales staff belonging to the Rail Maritime and Transport Union and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association are being advised by shop stewards to vote for strike action after rejecting a pay offer.

The unions said the proposed deal of 4.75 per cent this year and the rate of inflation plus 0.75 per cent in 2009 to non-driving grades was worse than a pay rise given to other employees at the company.

Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT, said: "This is the second year in a row that lower paid grades have been asked to swallow a smaller rise and our members are telling us they have had enough.

"Arriva Trains Wales has not long handed its shareholders £14 million in dividends but it is the workforce that creates its profits and it's time for them to get a fair share in the fruits of this success.

"It is obscene that, while the company is paying directors £230,000, we have to go to the Low Pay Commission to discuss the problem of poverty wages at the company."

Manuel Cortes, assistant general secretary of the TSSA, said: "Our members are very upset that they are being asked to take a lower pay rise than other employees. We all contribute to the success of the company and we should all receive the same rewards."

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