Nick Brown hopes the dispute is nearly over

Drivers have already brought the ScotRail network to a standstill on four occasions and were planning a further 11 stoppages.

The offer means that a train driver's basic salary would rise from �23,000 to �26,200 from 1 June.

That would then rise to �27,000 in January 2003 and to �28,000 in January 2004.

ScotRail acting managing director Nick Brown said: "It will lift ScotRail drivers well up the national pay league."

He added: "At the same time, it will sweep away a host of outmoded working practices, address the company's concerns about the rise in short term sickness and give us the productivity increases we need."

'Tough negotiations'

ScotRail described the offer as being worth 14%, but the RMT and Aslef have said it works out to be equivalent to 22% over 18 months.

An Aslef spokesman said: "We believe there is basis for an agreement and are obviously pleased we have been able to cancel the industrial action.

"We believe we have an agreement that will meet our members' aspirations."

Drivers have a fortnight to decide on the deal

He added: "Ultimately it is up to the members to decide but the recommendation from the negotiating team would be for them to accept."

Phil McGarry, Scottish regional organiser for the RMT union, said drivers now had to decide "their own destiny", following what he called "tough negotiations" between the unions and the company.

He added: "We have reconciled our differences with ScotRail and look forward to developing a working relationship through mutual respect for each other."

'It's a good deal'

Mr Brown said the "key thing" was to get services back to normal, but he stressed that if the company had settled the dispute by agreeing to the unions' original demands it would have been "considerably out of pocket".

He added: "I hope train drivers will consider this and get back to the high standards they are expected to deliver.

"It is a good deal for drivers and passengers.

"I hope the union leaders are as pleased as I am to be looking forward to resolving this issue."

The breakthrough has been welcomed by the Scottish Executive, and a spokesman said: "We are pleased discussions are progressing well and we are obviously glad that the strikes for the next two weeks have been called off."