The strikes, which were due to take place on July 21-22 and July 27-29, have been suspended while the new offer is put to members in a ballot. The ballot result is due on July 28 with RMT's general grades committee recommending acceptance of the offer.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow praised the determination shown by members in winning the 35-hour week, the introduction of which management had long been stalling.

"While there is no doubt that negotiations on our claim have been protracted it is worth remembering how far we have persuaded the company to move," Bob Crow said.

"Their first offer, made in February, was for a three-year deal that gave only 0.5 per cent in year one. In addition the 35-hour week would not have been fully introduced until April 1, 2008."

Ends

Note: Network Rail's offer is for a 3.2 per cent increase on base salaries while from April 2007 there will be an increase of RPI plus 0.75 per cent. If the current RPI figure of 3.3 per cent remains constant then signallers will receive a 4.05 per cent increase over the following nine months.