We learn today that the train drivers' union ASLEF has walked out of talks aimed at preventing further strikes by First North Western train drivers.

The drivers have been offered a 19 per cent pay increase over three years to be partly funded by productivity measures. ASLEF appear to have some qualms with these productivity measures and it may be that these need looking at again.

Let us hope, however, that a speedy end can be found to this dispute. The pay offer looks more than reasonable on the face of it and, as usual, it is the poor travelling public who are picking up the bill for the dispute.