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Truckers' union may merge with Amicus
Page 14
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THOUSANDS OF TRUCK drivers may be absorbed into a new super union of 2.5 million members.
The Transport & General Workers Union (T&G) is to open talks withAmictis,the manufacturing and technical union about merging.
The GMB general union is also being invited to join the negotiations, but has deferred a decision until later this year.
Around 140,000 truck drivers are members of the T&G, which has by far the biggest representation in road transport.
Ron Webb,T& G national secre tary for road transport, says the proposed merger would benefit drivers from all three unions.
"There would be better communication and improved co-ordination. There would be clarity in going forward. All transport drivers want to enjoy good terms and conditions."
T&G general secretary Tony Woodley says the proposed merger sent a message of hope to workers and a warning to employers "that we intend to match the power of capital with the power of united labour". Bob Monks,general secretary of the 17,000-member United Road Transport Union,says it is committed to keeping its existing identity.
"We (the officials) are all exlorry drivers and know the industry backwards and therefore offer a service second to none within the sector we operate."
• A conference designed to build solidarity among truck drivers from northern Europe is to be held in Eastbourne starling on 29April. Organiser Rachael Webb, a T&G branch secretary, says matters of common concern will be debated.