The "dead hand of Government" is preventing a deal being reached to avert train strikes inflicting misery on commuters, a union boss has claimed.
Mick Whelan - the General Secretary of train drivers' union ASLEF - said deals in recent months have been "set up to fail" in the long-running dispute over pay and conditions.
It comes as passengers face major disruption today with ASLEF members walking out before members of the RMT take part in strike action on Saturday.
