Union mergers

Mergers of unions and the case for cross-union unity

Cut regions’ power

By an AMICUS member A CONSULTATION document has been issued to TGWU branch secretaries on the proposed TGWU/Amicus/GMB merger. The document describes those structures that the three unions have in common and puts them forward as the basis for merger. The idea is for a merger on the basis of minimal disruption to the bureaucratic status quo (bar the inevitable jockeying for position and scramble for early retirement deals that will follow amalgamation). At the centre of the proposed new structure stands the power of the regions. The regions are defined as providing for “effective lay member...

Merger could atomise members

by stan crooke The approach of the AWL, and its predecessors, to union mergers has not always been one of support. There have been instances when we have opposed mergers on the grounds that it would represent a step backwards for the members of the unions concerned (e.g. the adoption of a more right-wing rule book than that which existed previously in one or more of the unions taking part in the merger). Having a general principle in favour of mergers, which seems to me to be fair enough, does not entail support for any and every proposed union merger. Although, admittedly, this is written...

Towards a super-union?

The proposed creation of a giant new union, made up of the TGWU, Amicus and (probably) the GMB has caused excitement and misgivings within the trade union movement. Solidarity has been debating the pros and cons of the merger which may take place as early as next year. Here we print discussion articles about the development — two by Tom Haslam, broadly in favour the merger, and by Stan Crooke which opposes the move. The rights and wrongs of mergers by tom Haslam “The fact that the workers in a single undertaking are divided amongst several unions weakens them in their struggle… the...

A case for opposing the TGWU-GMB-Amicus merger

By Stan Crooke At the Amicus-TGWU-GMB caucus at the recent AWL trade union school I was asked to write something re. why we should oppose the possible/likely merger of these three unions. INTRODUCTION: The approach of the AWL, and its predecessors, to union mergers has not always been one of support. There have been instances when we have opposed mergers on the grounds that it would represent a step backwards for the members of the unions concerned (e.g. the adoption of a more right-wing rule book than that which existed previously in one or more of the unions taking part in the merger)...

Super-union offers opportunities

I think Maria Exall (Solidarity 3/68), is unduly pessimistic about the prospects for the TGWU/Amicus/GMB “super union”. Of course, mergers are not automatically progressive, and all the problems Maria describes are real ones. But I don’t think Maria gives sufficient weight to the fact that this is not simply a merger, but the creation of a new union. Of course, it’s “driven by the bureaucracy” — what else would you expect? But that fact does not automatically necessitate rank and file activists opposing it. And, equally, if the any of the three unions decides not to go ahead with the merger...

“Super-union” plan could mean turn inwards

The proposed “super-union” formed from a merger between AMICUS, TGWU and possibly the GMB, is an issue that should be taken seriously by all socialists. The idea that there should be no barriers between working class people in the representation of their interests at work is an important and progressive one. The UK trade union movement has been beset by historical and personal rivalries, partial views of the class struggle. Coming together can sometimes eradicate out these weaknesses. Unity is strength! However there are areas of serious concern about the proposed merger. I do not think the...

Fight to make the “super-union” democratic!

By Jim Denham The proposed creation of a giant new union, made up of the TGWU, Amicus and (probably) the GMB has caused much excitement and some misgivings within the trade union movement. The idea was hatched from lengthy and highly secretive talks between the TGWU’s Tony Woodley and Amicus’s Derek Simpson. Even the executives of the two unions knew nothing about it until a joint announcement from the two general secretaries on 2 February. The secrecy was probably necessary, given the extremely delicate nature of the negotiations, but it also served to fuel concerns about democratic rights...

GMB-Amicus merger?

We need unions that serve the members Sanjay Sirikanth, GMB member With the recent takeover of the print union GPMU and the forthcoming acquisition of banking union UNIFI, AMICUS is fast becoming the union of choice for trade union bureaucrats seeking to secure their pension funds by pushing merger through their union Executives. The TUC appears to be backing this AMICUS campaign and complaints from members in both GPMU and UNIFI point to large amounts of time and money being invested in getting the "right" result out of membership votes - that is, the one that suits the suits. The TUC has...

Amicus and GMB to merge?

According to reports from a number of AMICUS Executive members, a deal is being struck between Derek Simpson and Kevin Curran for Amicus to take over the crisis ridden GMB next year. Simpson has only a few years before he retires and the deal seems to be that Curran would assume the role of General Secretary after he goes. The arrangement has the full support of the TUC who seem to be spending much of the £10 million Blair gave them to "modernise" the unions on campaigning for yes votes in unions about to be taken over by AMICUS - Unifi, GPMU, and the merged KFAT/ISTC for example. This will be...

Letters

What rights for vulnerable adults? The issue of Ashley X and of disability rights is an emotive and complicated issue (see Solidarity 3/104 and 3/105). I agree with Chris Leary when he that the issues are too big to be dealt with in one article and indeed in relation to one issue. When I first read about Ashley I couldn't help wondering as Chris does - would that happen here? I came to the conclusion that it probably wouldn't and I admit this sat comfortably with me. Our health system is far from perfect, and while we know cost considerations are increasingly important it is very different...

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