http://www.rmt.org.uk/C2B/PressOffic...?ID=855&Type=2


RMT suspends action following Network Rail proposal to
publication date: 24 June 2004

JUNE 24: THE RMT executive today suspended industrial action on Network Rail
scheduled to begin next Tuesday after the company made an offer to re-open
the final-salary pension scheme to new members.


"Network Rail has offered to re-open the final salary pension scheme to new
employees upon completion of five years' service," RMT general secretary Bob
Crow said today.

"That service would include any agency or sub-contractor service in the rail
industry prior to transferring into Network Rail.

"Employees with less than five years' service would meanwhile join a
money-purchase scheme, but would be able to transfer into the final-salary
scheme upon completion of five years' service.

"The offer also includes an improved 3.5 per cent increase on pay rates this
year, and RPI plus three quarters of one percent next year, and an initial
25 per cent refund on rail season ticket costs. The 35-hour week is to be
brought in by 2006, as previously agreed.

"After receiving that offer in writing this afternoon, the RMT executive has
agreed to suspend next Tuesday's industrial action to allow our Network Rail
members to vote on it, with a recommendation that they accept it.

"Our position has always been that retaining a final-salary pension scheme
that provides dignity and security in retirement for our members was the key
to settling this dispute.

"Our members will now have the final say, and if they vote to reject the
offer, we will re-ballot for industrial action," Bob Crow said.

ends

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