Metalworkers’ Union withdraws from grand union amalgamation

On Wednesday, the whole amalgamation project of several industrial unions faced a major setback. A clear majority of the Metalworkers&#;8217 Union Congress delegates were in favour of the merger but a minority of the delegates prevented this from happening.

It was possible as, according to its rules, the Metalworkers' Union cannot be dissolved and its assets transferred into another organisation, in case more than a quarter of the Congress delegates are against such decisions. In the decisive voting the minority had about 37 per cent of the votes.

Back in February 2009, a clear majority voted for the merger. Prior to the ballot, leaders of the two political groups in the union leadership promised to respect the result of the ballot. Within the union leadership Social-democrats represent the majority group, and members and supporters of the Left Alliance the minority group.

The Media Union, the Wood and Allied Workers’ Union and the Railway Workers’ Union have already decided to participate in the merger. The Chemical Workers’ Union will discuss the merger this week when the union council convenes. In February 2009, a clear majority of the Chemical Workers’ Union members voted in favour of the merger.

According to the plans, TEAM should officially begin its work on 1 January 2011.

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This article is based on Juhani Artto's article on Trade Union News from Finland.