THE NATIONAL Implementation Body met representatives of management and the trade unions at RTÉ yesterday to discuss union demands for an improved pension scheme.

The body, which represents the Government, Ibec/CIF and Ictu, heard both sides separately and is expected to issue a recommendation shortly.

Sources said a recommendation that the matter go to the Labour Court was likely.

A majority of staff at the station are on a defined contribution pension scheme.

In a ballot involving all trade union members at the station recently, more than 85 per cent voted in favour of action up to a work stoppage, in pursuit of an improved pension scheme.

The matter has been the subject of protracted negotiations, mediation and internal industrial relations hearings at RTÉ.

The National Implementation Body was established as part of the social partnership agreement to ensure delivery of the industrial relations stability and peace provisions of the agreement.

It tends to encourage the use of the industrial relations machinery of the State to resolve disputes.

Staff employed at RTÉ prior to 1989 are on a civil service defined benefit scheme.

Staff employed after that date are in a less lucrative defined contribution scheme.

Such schemes involve a risk to the contributor's pension depending on stock market movements.

The unions are seeking to have RTÉ shoulder some of the risk arising from stock price changes, by guaranteeing a portion of the contributor's entitlement.