More drivers' walkouts could take place in the coming weeks

Metrolink drivers were scheduled to walk out at 0000 GMT on Saturday in a dispute over union recognition.

Services across Greater Manchester are expected to be affected by the strike by Aslef union members, which will continue until 0000 GMT on Sunday.

Members are unhappy that fellow staff, who are members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU), have negotiation rights for pay and conditions, but they do not.

Metrolink earlier said it was reluctant to begin talks with Aslef, in case staff who are members of the TGWU decide to strike.

However, it is now expected that the company will hold negotiations with Aslef in front of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which endorsed the TGWU agreement.

The talks with the TUC's arbitration committee are expected to take place on 29 January.

The first drivers' strike took place on 1 January this year, and more walkouts are could take place in the coming weeks if negotiations collapse.