IWA-STEELWORKERS MERGER RATIFIED IWA news release
For Immediate Release August 27, 2004
IWA-STEELWORKERS MERGER RATIFIED Tenative vote results — IWA members solidly behind merger BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Tentative vote results received today by the IWA national office show that IWA members solidly support a merger with the United Steelworkers of America.
With 60% of the union’s membership casting ballots, over 60% voted in favour of the merger, which will take effect September 1, 2004.
The merger creates the largest private sector union in Canada with some 250,000 members. IWA members began voting in a nation-wide referendum ballot on July 12, 2004.
“This is a great day for our union, our members and the Canadian labour movement,” said IWA National President Norman Rivard. “Together we are stronger and we will be able to achieve so much more for our members and working people from coast-to-coast.”
“I am very excited about the possibilities this merger presents for our members and working people across this country,” said Steelworkers Canadian Director, Ken Neumann. “This merged union creates a new force in the Canadian labour movement as well as the federal and provincial political arenas.”
“I look forward to the work ahead of us and to building on the proud legacy of the IWA,” added Steelworkers President Leo Gerard.
The results released today are tentative pending a review of the National Tabulating Committee of the IWA National Executive Board. Steelworker and IWA representatives will be available to make public statements about the ballot results and the merger on Monday, August 30, 2004 at the IWA office at 3920 Norland Avenue at 10:00 am.
WHAT: Official Statements on IWA/Steelworker Merger
WHO: Norman Rivard, National President, IWA
Ken Neumann, National Director, United Steelworkers
WHEN: Monday, August 30, 2004
WHERE: IWA Offices 3920 Norland Avenue Burnaby, British Columbia V5G 4K7
-30- For more information, contact Scott Lunny (604.329.5308)