TALKS are underway between union officials and the firm that runs the Severn Bridges after toll collectors voted to strike amid a row over shifts.

Jeff Woods, regional officer at Unite the Union, said a majority of the 70 workers in the toll booth department of Severn River Crossing Plc had voted in favour of strike action.

But a contentious letter that had threatened disciplinary action over shifts has now been withdrawn, he said.

Meetings between the two parties have already been taking place, including yesterday, and any industrial action has been suspended for four weeks.

The Argus had reported at the end of July that Unite had decided to ballot staff after the firm allegedly sent a letter to staff threatening workers with a disciplinary if the changes were not accepted.

The union had argued the firm was trying to cut costs by giving workers shift patterns which left them without a good work-life balance, and that the letter had killed off any negotiations.

Mr Woods said workers voted both for strike action and for industrial action short of a strike.

"Nobody wants strike action. Unfortunately there was nowhere else for us to go," he told the Argus.

"There was no quality of life in the way that the shift patterns were being enforced."

Jim Clune, general manager of Severn River Crossing, said the firm was confident it could reach an agreement with Unite and avoid any possible action.

"From my point of view the discussions have been very positive," he added.