Following two days of crippling train strikes earlier this week, the RMT union has denied plans for week-long action.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport workers union have pledged to re-open talks with South West Trains in an attempt to stave off a fourth 48-hour strike planned to start on February 12.
Union officials also reassured travellers that a rumoured week-long strike has never been discussed and was only pubicised due to the over-enthusiastic views of some members.
An RMT spokesman said: "Strike action is always regrettable, and though we know we're upsetting the public we are at the stage where we had no choice.
"We had to take direct action when we have platform staff receiving a wage of £11,000 compared to drivers who earn £31,000. We cannot let our members slip further down the wage line."
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