First Capital Connect

Train drivers’ union Aslef has called off a strike of its 550 plus members working for the south east train operator First Capital Connect (FCC), as a result of an improved pay offer.

The union’s executive committee is recommending to its members at FCC that they accept the revised 2009-10 pay offer which is worth 5% over two years.

Strike action had been scheduled in response to FCC’s original pay offer which consisted of no rise this year and 3% (or 1% of inflation if that were more) next year.

Train services have been running on an emergency timetable as a result of drivers declining overtime and rest day working for more than a month.

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.”