RMT said on Friday that three 24-hour strikes over jobs, pay and conditions have been suspended.
The rail union said it will now enter a “period of intensive negotiations with Network Rail and the train operating companies”.
Even though the strikes have been called off, RMT said the current dispute remains “very much live” and the union is continuing its re-ballot of members to secure a fresh mandate for action, with the result due on 15 November.
General secretary Mick Lynch said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.
“We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.
“Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions.
“Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next six months to secure a deal, we will.”
The strikes had been due to take place on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday.
