AA patrols belonging to the Independent Democratic Union (IDU) were planning to hold a two-day strike on Sunday 2 May and Monday 3 May in a dispute over pensions.

However, the AA says that talks have resumed between the AA management and the IDU.

The AA had stated that if the IDU did not accept the AA proposals to keep the Defined Benefit sections open, then the Union should come up with an alternative “cost-neutral” proposal. The discussions have focused on alternative proposals to keep open the AA’s final salary and career average section pensions which have just been tabled.

The IDU has agreed to withdraw the planned strike action for the May Bank Holiday whilst it re-ballots members on the new proposals.

Andrew Strong, AA Services CEO, said: 'We are pleased that constructive talks on essential changes to the AA pension are taking place. The AA believes that it is in the interests of all staff to keep open our defined benefit pension sections when others, such as the RAC, are proposing to close theirs. However, as the Government and TUC have recognised, this cannot be done at any cost and therefore changes are required.'

Alistair Maclean, national secretary of the IDU, added: 'Pensions are an important part of our members’ remuneration package so it is essential that we get changes agreed. We accept that to maintain good pensions for our members a degree of risk sharing will be required. We are confident that agreement can be reached soon on this issue.'