Rail workers have voted to accept a new pay deal to end the threat of a nationwide rail strike in the UK.
The RMT, TSSA and Unite unions had been due to hold two national rail strikes lasting 24 and 48 hours respectively earlier this month in a dispute over pay and conditions with track operator Network Rail.
But the industrial action was called off at the last minute on June 1, when a deal was struck between union and Network Rail officials after four days of negotiations brokered by conciliation service Acas.
RMT members who work for Network Rail approved the new two-year deal with 80 per cent voting in favour of accepting the revised pay and conditions.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Network Rail members for their determination, solidarity and support for their union over the last months.
“Without it this deal would simply not have been possible. It just goes to show what can be achieved when members stand united and are prepared to fight for decent pay and conditions.”
If the industrial action had gone ahead, it would have been the first national rail strike in the UK since 1994.
Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne, said: "This has clearly been a difficult period of uncertainty for our employees and for the people and businesses that depend on us. I am therefore pleased that we’ve come to an agreement.
“What has been clear to me throughout these negotiations is the passion we all share for the railway.
"I'm confident we will all now move forward together, translating that passion into improvements that will drive up our performance and deliver a better service for our customers.”