COMMUTERS face more distruption this week as thousands of train rail workers go on strike.

In a huge movement of industrial action, around 40,000 members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) have agreed to strike on Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20.

This means that limited to no services will run from train stations across the country, with 14 train operators heavily impacted by the strikes.

Certain networks are also striking on Friday, August 19 with disruption expected on this day as well as Sunday, August 21.

The industrial actions follows further strikes which happened across multiple days in June.

St Helens Star: Limited services will run through St Helens JunctionLimited services will run through St Helens Junction

How is St Helens affected?

Northern Rail will not operate any trains through the St Helens Central line on Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20.

Limited services will run every hour between Liverpool and Manchester on these days, which travels through Newton-le-Willows, Earlestown, St Helens Junction, Lea Green and Rainhill.

These services will run from 7.30am to 6.30pm.

Northern will also run limited and later than usual trains on Friday, August 19 and Sunday, August 21, with disruption expected.

Merseyrail will also run a reduced service throughout the week, running hourly services on selected lines on Thursday and Saturday.

Why are RMT members striking?

Similar to bus drivers, rail workers are striking for a pay rise that meets the rate of inflation during the cost of living crisis.

Unions are also in dispute with the government and rail companies about job cuts and changes to the terms and conditions of their contracts.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The rail industry and the government need to understand that this dispute will not simply vanish.

“They need to get serious about providing an offer on pay which helps deal with the cost-of-living crisis, job security for our members and provides good conditions at work."

Mr Lynch said that the strikes could go on "indefinitely" if they cannot come to a resolution with the government and rail companies.

St Helens Star: Mick Lynch has said that the strikes could go on indefinitely (Pic: PA)Mick Lynch has said that the strikes could go on indefinitely (Pic: PA)