Railway stations across Stockport will be affected by ASLEF strike action today (Friday 1 March).

No Northern services will operate for the day as train drivers walk out in protest against the company. ASLEF cited "a failure by [Northern] to adhere to existing agreements".

LNER drivers are similarly taking industrial action. This is a separate issue from ASLEF's dispute over pay with 16 train operating companies.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, the train drivers' trade union, said: 'We are fed up to the back teeth with the bad faith shown, day after day, week after week, and month after month by these two companies."

He added: 'We always stick to agreements which we make. These companies think they can break agreements – which they freely enter into – whenever it suits them."

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said in The Guardian: "We're surprised and disappointed that strike action has been called over a local disagreement that we have all been working positively to resolve.

"We encourage ASLEF to work with us to find a solution and avoid further disruption for customers."

What's more, delays are expected on Saturday 2 March as drivers take 'action short of a strike'. A spokesperson for Northern said: "[Tomorrow], we expect some late notice cancellations to services, particularly the first and last services of the day. Please check before travelling, as close to the time as possible."

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