BURNABY, BC, Nov. 15, 2013 /CNW/ – Despite majority membership support
for a merger of the Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) with the
United Steelworkers (USW), the merger proposal has fallen short of a
two-thirds threshold required under the TWU constitution.

In a nationwide, rank-and-file vote conducted by electronic ballot over
the last two weeks, TWU members voted 64.4% in favour of a merger with
the USW. Final results were released this afternoon after being
validated by an independent auditor.

Despite the majority support by TWU members, the merger will not proceed
due to the TWU constitution’s requirements that a merger be endorsed by
66 2/3% of voting members.

“A majority of our members support the proposed merger, but our
constitution is clear,” said TWU President Lee Riggs.

“We did our best to ensure a truly democratic process, with
unprecedented consultation and engagement of our members at all levels
of our union,” Riggs said. “It was a productive, dynamic and worthwhile
process that will serve us well as we work together to face the
challenges ahead.”

The TWU and USW have shared a strategic alliance since 2010. In August
of this year, after months of discussion, the two unions reached a
tentative merger agreement, which was followed by two months of
consultation with TWU members and a rank-and-file vote held over the
last two weeks.

“Our work over the last few months has helped build a stronger union,
with a more engaged and committed membership,” Riggs said. “The TWU
National Executive Council is committed to moving forward in a positive
manner and working in the best interests of our members.”

SOURCE Telecommunications Workers Union