"This commission has come into being thanks to the resolve of TSSA and RMT members who balloted for industrial action to defend their pension rights," RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

"Until then the employers had refused to speak to us collectively because there was no industry-wide forum through which to do so.

"Our remit remains as it has been throughout, to keep pension contributions affordable, maintain benefit levels, keep the railway pension scheme open to all and to streamline it in a sensible industry-wide structure, and on that basis we will be making our submission," Bob Crow said.

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UK rail unions, employers form pensions commission to look at industry scheme

AFX: 21st September 2006

LONDON - An independent Railway Pensions Commission has been set up by the rail unions and employers to review the current railways scheme.

To be chaired by former Turner Commission member Jeannie Drake, the new body will consider if any alternative means of long-term pension provision might be available that would be fair and affordable for both employees and employers.

The move comes after the unions threatened major strikes earlier this year over the schemes.

Unions want employers to keep their schemes open to new staff, cap employee contributions and keep benefits at their current level.

Joining Drake on the commission will be Bryn Davies, an independent actuary, nominated by the trade unions ASLEF, RMT, TSSA and the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions, and Peter Thompson, a consulting actuary, nominated by the employers including Network Rail and the train operating companies.

The commission starts work this month and aims to complete its report next summer. An interim report is expected early in 2007.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber welcomed the appointment of the commission, calling the agreement a 'sensible and constructive approach to a complex problem'.

Network Rail chief executive John Armitt said he looked forward to 'working with the trade unions, as we seek ways of securing long-term pension provision for people in the industry'.

Before rail privatisation, there was one salary scheme for British Rail workers, but post-privatisation, there are now more than 100 pension arrangements, involving at least 60 companies, including all the train operating companies and engineering firms which maintain the railways.