Members of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) have launched the first of two 24-hour strikes on the First Transpennine Express (FTPE).

Over 91 per cent of members voted in favour of industrial action, with a second strike expected to disrupt the service on August 26th.

FTPE will run a limited service between Sheffield and Manchester, as well as between York, Leeds and Manchester during both strikes.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) said it had suspended action it had planned for Wednesday as officials considered a new offer.

However, Nicky Whitehead, the ASLEF official leading negotiations with Transpennine Express, said no such suspension was possible at his union.

“I am appalled at the way that managers slammed the door shut after talks,” Whitehead explained.

“We felt we were making progress and offered to continue the talks.

“They said no. We offered to suspend the action and involve the conciliation service ACAS. They said no.

“In view of this brick wall style of negotiation, I regret to say that the dispute will now go ahead.”

Members of the RMT and Aslef unions had voted to take strike action after rejecting a 2.2 per cent pay offer.