A planned first strike in 42 years at Faslane nuclear naval base on the Clyde and Coulport on Loch Long has been suspended.
Members of Unite at the two sites were due to walk out for two hours tomorrow, but fresh talks will now be held with employers Babcock Marine next week.
National officer Ian Waddell said: "Babcock management has said it wants to negotiate an improved, consolidated pay deal, so as a gesture of good faith we have agreed to suspend industrial action in order for discussions to take place.
"We tentatively welcome this step forward by the company and we are optimistic that Babcock now shares our desire to reach a consolidated pay deal reflective of the outstanding loyalty and service workers on the Clyde consistently give both Babcock and the Ministry of Defence."
Members at the two sites in Scotland voted for industrial action in protest at a planned below-inflation 1% pay increase.
A written request to return to the negotiating table by Babcock's senior management was accepted by Unite workplace representatives yesterday morning.
Fresh talks will now commence on Feburary 24, with the company extending the validity of Unite's significant mandate for industrial action by 28 days, meaning another ballot would not be required should negotiations fail.
Unions warned last week that an extended period of industrial action would disrupt day-to-day operations at the bases.
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