Members of the ASLEF union have suspended next week’s industrial action ahead of talks with Southern.

Thousands of commuters were set to be hit by three days of strikes and have endured months of disruption as the union butted heads with the rail franchise over driver-only trains.

Southern drivers had been set to walk out on Tuesday, January 24, Wednesday, January 25, and Friday, January 27.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union strike is still planned to go ahead on Monday, January 23. 

Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, said: “I am today proposing a new process to try and find a resolution to our industrial dispute with Southern Rail.

"We propose that ASLEF and Southern engage in intensive talks under the auspices of the TUC, and as soon as possible.

“Given the implications of this dispute for the wider railway industry, I am also asking the Secretary of State for Transport to support this new process.

“ASLEF believes that the best way to resolve the dispute at Southern is for all parties to engage in meaningful talks – without preconditions – aimed at finding an agreed way forward."

Charles Horton, chief executive of Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “We've always made clear our willingness to engage in meaningful talks with ASLEF to find a route forward to end their dispute.

“So, together with our passengers and businesses, we warmly welcome their decision to suspend next week's planned industrial action.

“This is an important and significant development for the travelling public and the regional economy and our focus and efforts now will be on productive talks with the union and trying to find a solution and a way forward.

“We are grateful to Frances O'Grady and Andy Meadows for agreeing to chair jointly this important new round of talks and they have our unequivocal endorsement and support."