Talks under way on transatlantic trade union

Transport union the TSSA has announced what it believes is a first in the British trade union movement – its entry into a possible merger with a US union.

It entered a strategic partnership with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB) a year ago and both unions are now looking towards a formal merger.

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes explained: “The aim is to deliver an autonomous British and Irish section composed of current TSSA members. We can build on our shared values and take forward a new and exciting model of trade union organising.

“If these talks are successful, our members will see no real change to the way our union currently operates … In fact, we expect to have access to far greater funds to support our organising activities. And our members in Britain and Ireland will continue to have full autonomy to make whatever industrial, political and policy decisions they wish to make.”

IBB president Newton B Jones added: "I am excited about intensifying our discussions and to continuing our work together to amplify IBB and TSSA's efforts to ensure working people have a voice on the job, safe working conditions, fair wages and fair treatment."

Talks are under way with the aim of the merger taking place by 1 July 2022.

https://www.tssa.org.uk/news-and-events/tssa-news/tssa-enters-a-transatlantic-merger-talks-first