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Deal ends Southern rail dispute Deal ends Southern rail dispute
(35 minutes later)
Rail operator Govia Thameslink has reached a deal with the Aslef union, ending crippling strike action by its drivers on the Southern network. A train driver's union has reached a deal with the operators of the Southern network, ending crippling strike action by its members.
The train drivers' union called off three days of strikes and went into 10 days of talks with the firm in January. Aslef called off three days of strikes in January and went into 10 days of talks with Govia Thameslink (GTR).
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady announced there had been a deal after talks at Congress House but did not give details of the agreement.TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady announced there had been a deal after talks at Congress House but did not give details of the agreement.
The deal is subject to a referendum of Aslef members, she said. GTR has been in dispute with Aslef and the RMT over changes to guards' roles.
Ms O'Grady said the deal still had to be put to Aslef members in a referendum.
More news on the Southern announcement here
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said he welcomed the agreement which he described as "a significant step forward in addressing the safety concerns of Aslef members on Southern Rail".
He said: "Aslef has never been against changes to working methods.
"Rather, we believe any changes should be negotiated through agreed procedures.
"I am confident this deal can provide a safer and appropriately staffed railway for passengers on Southern Rail and I will be recommending it to our members."
He said about 930 Aslef members would vote in a referendum on whether to accept the deal and ballot papers would be dispatched on Friday, to be returned by 16 February.
Separate action by the RMT union, which mostly represents conductors but has 12 driver members, over the role of guards is set to continue.
Aslef staged a total of six strike days in total and the RMT has taken action since last April.
About 1,000 drivers work on the Southern network, according to the rail operator.