STRIKE action on the East Anglian mainline has been called off by the three unions involved.National Express East Anglia (NXEA) last night said an agreement had been reached.

Anthony Bond

STRIKE action on the East Anglian mainline has been called off by the three unions involved.

National Express East Anglia (NXEA) last night said an agreement had been reached. It followed yesterday'sstrike action when fewer than 5% of services on the line were being run.

Andrew Chivers, managing director of NXEA said: “We're pleased to be able to advise our customers that the industrial action by the Aslef, RMT and TSSA unions has been suspended.

“We will endeavour to run the best service possible tomorrow, though there may be some residual delays and alterations to services as we restore the normal service. We would like to thank our customers for their patience during the industrial action.”

Rail users affected by the strikes had blasted both sides of the bitter pay feud which caused major disruption. The train drivers' union Aslef had threatened six days of industrial action next month.

Last night, the RMT union was claiming a major victory in its fight for improved pay and conditions.

General secretary Bob Crow said: “No one should be in any doubt that this improved offer has been won through the commitment and determination of our members on National Express East Anglia to secure a fair deal.

“It's their sacrifice over the past three weeks that has forced the company's hand and they can be proud of what they have achieved. We will now be consulting again with the company representatives and if our members want a final say on the revised deal then we will give them that in a referendum ballot.''

Aslef and the RMT had taken strike action on four days in the last fortnight. A fourth strike had been planned for next Thursday and Friday.