TSSA workplace reps vote for merger

Our workplace reps have overwhelmingly backed the proposed merger between our union and the Boilermakers union, with nine out of ten voting in favour of the proposals in a ballot.

Manuel Cortes, TSSA general secretary, said he was “delighted” with the overwhelming result calling it “a landslide” and he pledged “I, together with our Executive Committee will now do all we can to deliver on your wishes.”

The ballot of our workplace reps was held online from 11-31 January. Just under two thirds (64%) of our reps took part in the ballot and of those voting, 88.5% voted yes with 11.5% voting no. There was an absolute majority in favour of the merger, with 57% of the whole rep constituency voting for the merger, while just 7% voted against.

Commenting on the results, Manuel Cortes said: “Firstly, can I thank all who took part in the ballot. I’m absolutely delighted that our workplace representatives have voted so decisively in favour of our proposed merger with the Boilermakers. Not only have they backed the proposal by a landslide but a numerical majority of them is also backing it.

“Our union rightly prides itself in being an organising union in which our workplace representatives are at the heart of everything we do. So, it’s now the job of our union’s leadership to deliver on their wishes by making the proposed merger with the Boilermakers a reality.”

Our Executive Committee will consider the ballot results at their meeting on Tuesday 1 February.

The results in full:

Final total of eligible votes cast:

Yes: 432 (88.5%)

No: 56 (11.5%)

Total eligible votes: 488

Total electorate: 761

Total voting: 488 (64% turnout)

Voting yes of total electorate: 57%

Voting no of total electorate: 7%