More drivers' walkouts could take place in the coming weeks

Metrolink drivers walked out just after midnight on Friday in a dispute over union recognition.

Services across Greater Manchester were being affected by the action by Aslef union members, which will continue until midnight on Saturday.

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 decided to strike.

However, it is now expected that the company will hold negotiations with Aslef at the headquarters of the 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 could take place in the coming weeks if negotiations fail.