5:01pm Tuesday 8th December 2009
The threat of a strike by hundreds of train drivers on some of the country's busiest rail routes ended today when union leaders recommended acceptance of an improved pay offer.
Around 550 members of Aslef at First Capital Connect had been voting on whether to launch industrial action, which would have crippled services between London, Brighton, Bedford, Peterborough, Cambridge and King's Lynn.
The union said it was recommending that drivers accepted the revised pay offer, which it said was worth 5% over two years.
The firm's services have been hit by staff shortages in recent weeks after drivers decided not to work overtime.
Aslef general secretary Keith Norman said: "I'm pleased the company has come forward with an improved offer and hope they will address the causes of the current disagreement by recruiting more train drivers."
An FCC spokesman said: "We are pleased that Aslef has withdrawn the ballot for industrial action. The union has considered our revised pay offer and agreed to recommend it for acceptance to members.
"The offer is spread over two years and includes productivity-based increases. We are working jointly with Aslef to encourage our drivers to resume rest day and overtime working, our aim being to provide a full, normal service to our customers as quickly as possible."
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