Fact Service January 2015

Issue 4

Unity ceramics union merges with GMB

The 4,000-strong ceramics union Unity has voted overwhelmingly to merge with the GMB general union. The members voted by 93% in favour of transferring engagements to the UK’s third largest union.

The Stoke-based craft union has shrunk from around 10,000 members in the last decade, and the union says the merger will give remaining members more security.

Unity general secretary Harry Hockaday said: “The combined experience of Unity and the GMB will create a stronger more secure union for the benefit of all our members.”

GMB general secretary Paul Kenny said: “There will now be a period of transition which will take place to ensure that there is a smooth integration of the two unions.”

www.gmb.org.uk/newsroom/unity-votes-to-merge-with-GMB