Widespread disruption is expected on trains across Cumbria this weekend as union members prepare to take further strike action.

Both the RMT and ASLEF unions have called for strike action after talks over a pay deal have fallen through following a period of intense negotiations.

Previous strike action by both unions has caused widespread disruption across Cumbria with Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express and Northern trains all cancelling the vast majority of services in the county.

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents the 14 train companies, made an offer which would have seen rail workers receive a backdated pay rise of 5 per cent for 2022 but the unions have called for any pay deals to reflect the current level of inflation which currently stands at 10 per cent.

The train drivers’ union, ASLEF, is taking strike action on Friday, May 12 and the RMT are walking out on Saturday, May 13 with disruption expected to last into Sunday as the rail system recovers.

Recently the RMT announced the results of a re-ballot of members which they say ‘massively re-affirmed’ a mandate for further strike action.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that the ‘overwhelming backing’ for further strike action across 14 train operating companies was a de-facto referendum on the dispute.

“It is clear from these results that members are not prepared to accept a pay offer based on mass job cuts and major attacks on their terms and conditions,” said Mr Lynch.

“This sends a clear message to the employers that the huge anger amongst rail workers is very real and they need to recognise that fact, face reality and make improved proposals.

The transport secretary, Mark Harper said he was ‘disappointed’ with the news of further rail strikes and called on rail unions to accept the pay deal that is on offer.

Elsewhere in industrial disputes, further strike action by teachers looks likely following their almost unanimous rejection of the government’s pay offer and junior doctors remain in talks with the government over a pay deal but haven’t threatened to go on strike again if significant progress is not made.