RAIL misery for thousands of commuters has ended after strikes were brought to a halt.

Staff from three unions, Aslef, the RMT and the TSSA, suspended industrial action after bosses made them a new pay and conditions offer.

Aslef asked for a minimum pay rise of 2.5 per cent, a four-day working week and a 4 per cent increase in the number of drivers employed by National Express East Anglia.

Although the deal’s precise details have yet to be revealed, bosses offered workers new terms and conditions which includes a 3.5 per cent pay increase over two years.

Keith Norman, general secretary of Aslef, said: “We have hammered out an amicable timetable for the resolution of the industrial relations difficulties which have divided us.

“I also feel we have secured reasonable pay increases given the economic climate and the financial position of National Express East Anglia.”

Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT, added: “The movement on pay by National Express East Anglia has only been achieved by the rock solid support from staff working on the franchise for the three weeks of industrial action.

“It’s unfortunate for both our members and the travelling public that it’s taken strike action to push the negotiations forward.”

Train company National Express welcomed the suspension of the strikes, although it said some delays and cancellations were still possible today particularly to early trains.

Andrew Chivers, managing director of National Express East Anglia, said: “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.”