Train drivers at a York-based rail firm will walk out every weekend for three months, their union announced.

Aslef members at LNER will strike every Saturday between August 31 and November 9 and every Sunday from September 1 to November 10, a total of 22 days

The dispute is separate from the long-running row over pay, which is set to be resolved after a new offer this week from the government.

LNER runs the East Coast Main Line and also operates York railway station.

Aslef claims there has been a breakdown in industrial relations, “bullying” by management, and “persistent breaking” of agreements by the government-owned company.

Mick Whelan, Aslef's general secretary, said: “The continued failure of the company to resolve long-standing industrial relations issues has forced us into this position.

Mick Whelan, Aslef's general secretaryMick Whelan, Aslef's general secretary (Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

"We would much rather not be here but the company has brutally, and repeatedly, broken diagramming and roster agreements, failed to adhere to the agreed bargaining machinery, and totally acted in bad faith.

“When we make an agreement, we stick to it. This company doesn’t and we are not prepared to put up with their boorish behaviour and bullying tactics.”

An LNER spokesperson said: "Our priority focus will be on minimising disruption to customers during the forthcoming Aslef strikes, which sadly will continue to cause disruption and delays.

"We are surprised and disappointed to hear this news following recent constructive conversations.

"We will continue to work with Aslef to find a way to end this long running dispute which only damages the rail industry."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "This is extremely disappointing for passengers.

"The Transport Secretary has called on both Aslef and LNER to get around the table and work in good faith to resolve this dispute and as quickly as possible."

Shadow transport minister Kieran Mullan said: “After a no-strings-attached offer to throw cash at a Labour-backing union, it should shock nobody that more strikes are on the cards.

“It’s a taste of what is to come: a nationalised train service seeing Labour-backing unions staging walkouts despite a bumper pay deal.

“All Labour are doing is encouraging the unions into more of this anti-passenger action, putting our rail network at the beck and call of unions whilst passengers pay the price.”