NORTHERN has said it will not be able to operate any trains across the entirety of its network on Saturday due to strike action.

Members of the Aslef union are embroiled in a 20-month dispute with no sign of a breakthrough and no plans for any talks.

Northern has advised its customers to make alternative arrangements for travel on Saturday as a result of the industrial action. 

Tricia Williams, Northern chief operating officer, said: "We are disappointed that Aslef has chosen to call yet more strike action and we would encourage them to work with the rail industry so we can put an end to this dispute.

"We can only apologise to customers in the meantime for the significant disruption and inconvenience this action by Aslef will cause."

Aslef said it wants an increase in pay for train drivers, who say they have not had a pay rise since April 2019.

Mick Whelan, Aslef general secretary, said: "Our members voted overwhelmingly - yet again - for strike action.

"Those votes show - yet again - a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) which knew that offer would be rejected.

"We have given the Government every opportunity to come to the table but it is now clear they do not want to resolve this dispute.

"They are happy for it go on and on.

"We are not going to give up.

"Many members have now not had a single penny increase in pay for half a decade, during which time inflation has soared and, with it, the cost of living."

A spokesperson for the RDG said: "We are sorry that this round of strikes called by the Aslef leadership risk disrupting journeys.

"Our advice is to check before you travel and follow the latest travel information."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike, targeting passengers and preventing their own members from voting on the pay offer that remains on the table.

"Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the Transport Secretary and rail minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table – taking train drivers' average salaries from £60,000 up to £65,000."

For more information about the strike and the services which will be affected, customers should visit www.northernrailway.co.uk/travel/strikes