Industrial action averted following strike negotiations

Aslef has confirmed that a planned rail strike during the Easter period will not take place.

Strike negotiations between union members and London Midland have succeeded, with workers agreeing to scrap plans to stage industrial action.

Members of Aslef had objected to an apparent disparity in the amount being paid to drivers who had previously been employed by separate franchises.

However, an agreement on how to resolve the issue has now been reached and the strike will now not go ahead.

Aslef described the strike negotiations, which lasted for several days, as "intense".

The union confirmed that members will be given the opportunity to endorse the draft agreement.

A dispute over pay arose after Silverlink and Central Trains combined to form London Midland.

Aslef had called for the pay and conditions of drivers from both companies to be harmonised, as some were earning £1,200 more than others for doing "exactly the same job".

Mick Whelan, an officer at the union, described this as a "ludicrous" situation that was provoking strong feelings among its membership.