Rail travellers across Stockport will face disruption over the next few days, with strikes taking place today (31 May), as well as 2-3 June.

Today sees minimal services, following strikes organised by ASLEF, which predominantly represents train drivers.

Rail bosses say that given the impact that strikes have on fleet displacement, early morning and late-night services on Thursday (June 1) are also likely to be affected.

ASLEF will also be taking strike action on Saturday June 3, which will disrupt local football fans travelling to the Manchester derby FA Cup final, where City and United will face one another.  

Further still, the RMT union - representing train crew including drivers, guards, and other on-board staff - will go on strike on Friday 2 June. This will result in a limited timetable. 

Across these days, 19 train operators are expected to be affected.  

Northern is one of the train operators affected by the strikes (Image - Ryan Parker / Stockport Nub News)

A statement on ASLEF's website reads: "We have been negotiating with employers - the train operating companies - for many months on pay. [...]

"Unfortunately a number of companies still have their hands tied by the Department for Transport and aren't able to negotiate a reasonable deal with ASLEF members. 

"We are still prepared to negotiate in good faith but, unfortunately, as we have been unable to come to an agreement, we have had to consider industrial action."

RMT members are striking as part of the long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. "Despite contact between the parties since the strike on 13 May, no new proposals have been formulated for the RMT to consider," the RMT said in a statement earlier in May.

On the other side of the debate is transport secretary Mark Harper, who strongly criticised the strikes. In a statement on Twitter, he said: "By targeting much loved sporting events like the Cup Final & Derby, rail union leaders have conspired to inflict as much misery as possible on passengers this week.

"The government has done our bit to try and end these disputes by meeting union leaders, listening to them, facilitating fair & reasonable offers - which RMT members working for Network Rail voted overwhelmingly to accept and are no longer striking.

"But the leadership of the RMT & ASLEF are blocking a similar offer being put to members working for train operating companies."

Network Rail has advised passengers to 'check before travel' on strike days. A statement on the Network Rail website reads: "You are advised to plan ahead and check before your travel.  

"Please also remember to check your entire journey, especially first and last trains on strike days - and also your return journey if applicable."

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