TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - United Steelworkers (USW) Canadian Director Ken Neumann today thanked the strong majority of Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) members who supported a proposed merger of the two unions, though the merger will not proceed.
"Voting results released Friday show 64.4% of TWU members across Canada have voted in favour of a merger with the USW. However, the TWU constitution requires that a merger be approved by 66 2/3% of members, which is a very high threshold to meet," Neumann said.
The TWU and USW have shared a strategic alliance since 2010. In August of this year, the two unions reached a tentative merger agreement, which was followed by two months of consultation by the TWU with its members and a rank-and-file vote held over the last two weeks.
"We share the sentiments expressed by TWU National President Lee Riggs, in that we are disappointed with the results of this vote, but we also understand the constitutional requirements faced by the TWU," Neumann said.
"We will continue to support and work closely with TWU members and leaders on the collective challenges we face," Neumann said. "We will maintain our close strategic alliance with the TWU and build on our bonds of solidarity and our mutual commitment for a better future for our respective members across Canada."
SOURCE: United Steelworkers (USW)
Ken Neumann, USW Canadian National Director, 416-544-5951
Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434-2221, [email protected]
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