Members of construction union UCATT have voted to merge with larger union Unite…
UCATT, the union of Construction, Allied, Trades & Technicians, is set to merge with larger union Unite following a vote from its membership.
The union, which was formed in 1971, was created when woodworkers, alongside painters and decorators, joined the Amalgamated Union of Building Trade Workers (AUBTW) and the Association of Building Technicians.
The decision to merge was made yesterday, during the union’s conference. “A full, frank and passionate debate about the union’s future” was held “in order to preserve existing structures and to maximise the representation of construction workers in all sectors”.
Negotiations will now take place with Unite to determine the next steps.
Acting general secretary of UCATT Brian Rye said: “UCATT delegates listened to the arguments both in favour of remaining independent or a merger or transfer to Unite and decided that the best option for existing members and for all construction workers was a link up to Unite.”
Unite general secretary, Len McCluskey, added: “We welcome this chance to work with UCATT colleagues on building a powerful, united union for construction workers where we can combine our might and expertise to get the best deal for this workforce.”
