Second major union merger proposed for next year (original) (raw)
Second major union merger proposed for next year
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The hospitality workers' union United Voice is planning to merge with the National Union of Workers, which shares its concerns about the impact of wage theft on members.
The decision follows the controversial merger between the national construction and maritime and footwear unions, which prompted the Federal Government to introduce legislation in a bid to prevent the merger. The legislation, which has not passed the Senate, proposes a public interest test for union mergers before they can be approved by the Fair Work Commission.
Jo Schofield, national secretary of United Voice.Credit: Justin McManus
The national councils of United Voice and the National Union of Workers endorsed the proposal to consult members about forming a new union in August. Union members will vote on the proposal in a ballot to be held next year.
United Voice national secretary Jo Schofield said the current industrial relations system has failed workers. "In this light it is exciting for members to consider a proposal that would allow workers across the country to build power and through their actions win big, long-lasting gains,” she said.
National Union of Workers national secretary Tim Kennedy said the merger would "unleash the collective power of workers to transform their lives and their communities, and put the voice of workers at the heart of our economic and political system".
The merger would create one of the biggest unions in the country. The proposal follows a memorandum of understanding signed by both unions in 2017 to explore a new union model.
According to industry media outlet Workforce Express, if the merger is approved by members next year, it would create Australia's fourth biggest union with 173,834 members behind the top-ranked Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (238,144 members), Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (213,127) and Australian Education Union (183,910).
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