In what may prove to be a landmark move in the conduct of industrial relations, Unite the British trade union has merged with the American trade union the United Steelworkers (USW). Unite itself was formed as a result of as merger between Amicus and the transport workers union (TGWU)
The move undoubtedly signals a departure for trade unions in Britain. Unions often complain that global companies have huge power. Many have GDP’s higher than some medium sized countries. Derek Simpson joint general secretary of Unite commented “ The political and economic power of multinational companies is formidable."
"They are able to play one nation's workers off against another to maximise profits. With this agreement we can finally begin the process of closing that gap," he said.
The unions hope to bring in unions from other countries such as Australia. It is expected this is the first of many cross national union agreements and mergers.
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