Drivers to suspend strike after 'progress' in night Tube talks

Planned strikes by train drivers on London Underground are set to be suspended after progress in talks over a night Tube.

Leaders of the train drivers' union Aslef are to recommend suspending the industrial action.

Three 24 hour walkouts were announced for next week and in mid-February in a long running dispute over pay and conditions for the planned new service.

Aslef said good progress had been made in talks with the company held under the chairmanship of the conciliation service Acas.

The union's lead organiser, Finn Brennan, said: "I am pleased to say that we have made good progress in talks at Acas today. The negotiating team is now reporting to the Aslef executive committee with a recommendation that the planned industrial action be suspended.

"The determination of our members brought London Underground management back to the table. We have dragged them kicking and screaming into the 21st century with an agreement to deliver modern, flexible working patterns for our members and an above inflation pay rise. This demonstrates just what strong, progressive trade unions can deliver in Britain today."

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: "Following talks at Acas with London Underground today, TSSA negotiators will meet with our union representatives tomorrow to discuss the offer now on the table.

"No decision on whether or not to suspend industrial action on the Tube next week will be taken until after that meeting."