Strike action planned for the 5th, 7th and 9th November has been suspended by the RMT Union.
The union says it is now “entering a period of intensive negotiations” with Network Rail and the train operating companies.
RMT says it has secured unconditional talks with Network Rail and a promise of an offer from the train operating companies, who until recently, had made no offer to members.
However, the union has confirmed that the dispute is still live and a re-ballot of its members for action is due to have its results confirmed on the 15th November.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.
“We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.
“Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions.
“Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next 6 months to secure a deal, we will.”
As beleaguered passengers, are we supposed to be grateful now the luddite unions have perhaps had enough. Whatever the union members think they have gained, I hope that their collective conciences can square with wasting about £600m, helping destroy the economy, loads of businesses and mess up ordinary people’s lives.