A threatened strike by civilian police staff that could have pulled officers off the beat has been called off.
The Unison union had urged its members to take industrial action as relations with Police Scotland sank to an all-time low.
It followed concerns over the closure of four control rooms that handle 999 calls in Scotland, including Aberdeen, threatening more than 200 jobs.
The union had claimed that the way the control rooms closures were being handled was causing undue worry and stress to staff threatened with losing their jobs or relocation. Staff who could not be redeployed faced reduced redundancy terms.
The police were also accused of failing to address a formal request for compensation for staff who will lose their holidays to cover the Commonwealth Games.
Industrial action could have forced police officers off the streets to cover for civilian staff.
A consultative ballot on industrial action was called off last night following last-ditch talks between union officials and the police.
Guarantees were received that pave the way for negotiations on other outstanding issues.
Gerry Crawley, Unison regional officer, said: “Unison is pleased that we will recommence negotiations with Police Scotland and we have agreed to cancel our consultative ballot, which had been due to start today.
“Unison members now have some protection and guarantees around job relocation and job security, which is hugely important.
“We also have an agreement to protect basic pay and allowances. And Unison members whose leave is being restricted over the Commonwealth Games in the summer will receive an additional one-day annual leave.”
Mr Crawley added: “We still have a lot to do over the coming months. Unison members are resolute in their determination to protect as many local jobs and local services as we can.”