Solidarities in collective pension schemes

Abstract

This opening contribution to the book Costs and Benefits of Collective Pension Systems, an initiative of the Association of Industry-Wide Pension Funds and the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, first discusses a number of general solidarity aspects. Next it deals with more specific issues that have an important bearing on the pension sector.

The collective pension system draws its strength and justification from collectiveity and solidarity. The conditions required to ensure broad-based consensus and acceptance must therefore be fulfilled at all times. Hence, the question arises what forms and degree of solidarity are desirable. Where does undesirable solidarity start? The outcomes will differ from one fund to the other and will also vary over time.

In the past few years pension funds have made important progress in introducing pension contracts. These contracts specify the relationship between the fund's financial position on the one hand and its contribution policy and indexation of accrued pension rights (of retirees and workers) on the other. In the coming years further arrangements will be made regarding diverse types of income and value transfers, also known as solidarities. Numerous questions arise waiting for an answer. Some tentative recommendations are made for the way forward.

This article was written in a personal capacity.