Strike threat over rail pensions

Network Rail insists services will not be disrupted if a strike is called

Britain' second largest rail union is urging 7,000 Network Rail workers to vote in favour of industrial action.

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association has opened a ballot over strike action, warning of "widespread disruption" if it goes ahead.

The union is angry at what it says is an attempt by Network Rail to introduce a "two-tier" pension scheme.

The move follows a decision by the Rail Maritime and Transport union to call strike ballots at four rail companies.

Last week, it announced plans to ballot nearly 4,000 workers at National Express East Anglia, South West Trains, First Capital Connect and London Overground over industrial relations and job cuts.

'Unfair'

The TSSA ballot, which closes on 23 March, is open to thousands of staff, including station mangers and supervisors.

The union's general secretary, Gerry Doherty, said: "Network Rail is effectively trying to introduce a two-tier pension scheme.

Train services will not be affected if a strike goes ahead Network Rail spokesman

"They are asking older staff who used to be with British Rail to pay more to ensure that their present final salary scheme continues.

"But new recruits are banned from the scheme for five years and are then being offered inferior benefits to long-serving staff.

"It is unfair and we will not accept it."

A spokesman for Network Rail tried to reassure passengers that disruption could be avoided.

"We will continue to talk to the TSSA to try to avert a strike," he said.

"The contingency plans we have in place will mean that train services will not be affected if a strike goes ahead."

Last week, RMT general secretary Bob Crow said his union had been left with no option but to ballot London Overground workers over strike action after "a complete breakdown in industrial relations".

"There is growing anger among our members that the company has even failed to keep promises to provide basic facilities like proper toilets, mess rooms and communications," he said.

Network Rail owns and maintains the UK's rail infrastructure, including 18 major stations.