All non-intercity train services are suspended

The workers have opted to hold three 24-hour walkouts after a dispute over a disciplinary matter.

It follows a decision by First North Western to sack a train driver for passing two red lights and speeding.

However, the unions say the company has created a culture of blame and fault finding.

First North Western, which operates the biggest train service in north Wales and the north west of England, suspended all its services for the duration of the strike.

Our passengers have a right to demand safety on our railways and we are not prepared to compromise on that basic right

Dave Kaye, First North Western

More than 8,000 commuters travel on North West Trains every day.

Trains from north Wales to Manchester and Birmingham, and local services between Wrexham and Bidston, and Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog will all be affected.

The company has said buses will be provided between Chester and Holyhead.

Members of the Rail Passengers Committee for Wales have said there is enough uncertainty on the rail network without industrial action.

Dafydd Huws said: "It couldn't have happened at a worse time.

"There is a lot of holiday traffic around - people are off with their children and they won't be able to travel by train.

"Also there are problems on the A55 with roadworks - it is going to be chaotic."

Further action

The firm has apologised for the inconvenience but stands by its decision to dismiss the driver concerned, for safety reasons.

First North Western Managing Director, Dave Kaye, said: "Our passengers have a right to demand safety on our railways and we are not prepared to compromise on that basic right."

The company claims the driver at the centre of the dispute had failed to adhere to a number of procedures.

The train operators say he passed through two consecutive red lights and was also caught travelling 10mph above the speed limit.

Further 24-hour strikes by the unions are planned for 5 and 8 April.