The union also announced strikes and an overtime ban at two train companies — LNER and Northern — “for their persistent failure to comply with existing agreements” on March 1.

Members will also not work overtime on LNER and Northern from February 29 to March 2.

Mr Whelan said: “We are fed up to the back teeth with the bad faith shown, day after day, week after week, and month after month by these two companies.

“We always stick to agreements which we make. These companies think they can break agreements — which they freely enter into — whenever it suits them.

“And they’re wrong. This is a shot across their bows and a sign of things to come.”

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said the company was “surprised and disappointed” that strike action has been called.

An LNER spokesperson said: “We encourage Aslef to continue to work with us to find a way to end this long-running dispute which only damages the rail industry.”