Vote to merge two big Canadian Unions

Delegates from the Canadian Auto Workers voted unanimously to merge with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada.

This combines two of Canada’s largest private-sector unions.

CEP delegates will vote on the proposal when they meet in October.

The new union would represent more than 300,000 workers across roughly 20 economic sectors.

Membership would be concentrated in manufacturing, communications and transportation though there’s no word if there will be a new name for the combined workforce.

CAW leader Ken Lewenza and other key players have said the two groups must join forces in order to ensure protection for existing members and inject some life back into the national labour movement.