The TSSA and RMT rail unions say they have agreed to commit to formal talks which could ultimately lead to a merger of the two unions.
Initial discussions will focus on closer working between both unions initially through a federation structure with a view to moving towards a merger.
Both unions also agreed that the ‘door will remain open’ for other smaller specialist unions in transport who may be thinking along similar lines to join the discussions at a future date.
Commenting on the decision, TSSA General Secretary Gerry Doherty said:
“Today’s decision will hopefully be the start of a process designed to serve the interests of future generations of transport and travel trade workers.
“We owe an obligation to our children and our children’s children to leave better organisations that protect workers in the very uncertain future that they currently face”
Speaking on behalf of the RMT, General Secretary Bob Crow said:
“This is a historical day for the trade union movement. These talks will bring together two unions each with over a hundred years of specialising in the transport industry in the interests of workers.”
