STRIKE action on Northern Rail is set to go ahead tomorrow after trade unionists said bosses have missed a “golden opportunity” to resolve the dispute.

The strike, which is the 39^th day of action by guards against the implementation of driver-only operations, is set to go ahead after transport union RMT said it is “frustrated” that talks between workers’ representatives and management at conciliation service Acas collapsed on Tuesday.

The union says the company has no incentive to settle the dispute because the government ensured taxpayers fork out compensation for any losses Northern suffers through strike action under the terms of the company’s franchise.

RMT also claims that the company “made it clear” they would not be dealing with principles set out by the union around the guarantee of a second, safety-trained person on the train, with that member of staff having the same core responsibilities and competencies as current guards.

The union has also said that, during the talks, it became clear that there is nothing to suggest that the government and the Department for Transport (DfT) are intending to commit to the funding of a second member of staff on Northern services.

This is despite claims made in recent days from Transport Secretary Chris Grayling that he would commit to keeping a second member of staff on all Northern trains.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT is angry, frustrated and determined to carry on the fight for a safe, secure and accessible railway for all after Northern Rail squandered a golden opportunity to make progress towards a settlement in Acas talks this week.

“Frankly, it is ludicrous that no thought has been given to funding the so-called ‘commitments’ broadcast by the Department for Transport in relation to this dispute.

“Theresa May should be forcing her ministers and the franchise holders to start talking seriously about the actual practicalities at the delivery end of the service.

“It has only been the resilience of RMT members and our supporters from the ‎travelling public, whose solidarity and determination have been instrumental in getting the focus of the dispute back on to the guarantee of a second person on the train.

“It is deeply disappointing that the company have failed this week to meet the union’s call to move the issues forwards. As a result, the action continues as planned.”