A TRAIN strike by First North Western drivers, caused by a pay dispute between their union ASLEF and the train company, disrupted thousands of travellers on Tuesday and Wednesday.

And with pay talks between the two parties reaching a stalemate, further strikes planned for September 10 and 11, look more likely.

The first two-day strike took place on August 13 and 14, after Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen's (ASLEF), 700 drivers rejected a 19 per cent pay rise because it also included productivity measures, which included drivers having to pick up rubbish at stations.

Vernon Barker, First North Western's MD, said: "We are disappointed ASLEF has not suspended its strike action. They have not responded to our attempts to reconvene talks and yet have offered no explanation.

"We regret the further widespread inconvenience that our passengers have faced and the disruption to the rail industry."

ASLEF's district secretary, Andrew Murray, hoped things would be sorted out before the next strikes.

"We are remaining in contact with the company and hopefully we will be able to reach a settlement before September.

"We have not planned any talks with them at the moment because it is pointless unless they are prepared to come up with an improved offer - the one they put to us had too many strings attached."