Unite set to expand as merger with construction union Ucatt confirmed

The merger of construction workers’ union UCATT into Unite will now go ahead in January, after being formally approved by members.

The proposal was agreed by delegates at UCATT’s conference in May, with the terms then put to a ballot of its 60,000 members. Results of that vote are now in, with 85.5 per cent backing the move to join Unite, formally confirming the merger which both sides say will result in “one powerful union for the construction industry”.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey hailed the outcome of the vote, which will increase the size of Britain’s largest trade union, which already has over 1.4 million members.

“This is a historic moment for the construction industry and the men and women who work in it. From January 2017, construction workers will for the first time have one united powerful union on their side at work,” McCluskey said.

“Bad bosses and construction firms employing sharp practices should beware. Our new combined industrial voice will be used to defend the rights of construction workers across the UK and to campaign for secure decent jobs which pay the rate for the job.

“I look forward to working with our new colleagues and welcoming UCATT members into the Unite family. Together we will be strong progressive voice for Britain’s construction workers and their industry.”

The acting general secretary of UCATT, Brian Rye, also welcomed the news saying that “the industrial muscle of all construction workers will double overnight, which is good news for all members.”

“Employers are going to have to get used to dealing with one voice and one union,” Rye said. “They need to understand that shoddy and underhand practices including dismissing workers without warning, exploiting workers by paying them via agencies or umbrella companies and ignoring key safety laws will not be tolerated and will be exposed.”

The merger is not expected to significantly affect Unite’s affiliation to the Labour Party, with UCATT already an affiliate. It had been believed that UCATT’s current representatives on Labour National Executive Committee (NEC) would become Unite delegates from January 1, increasing Unite’s number on the trade union section from two to four. However, trade union sources said today these issues were unclear, and it will likely be factored into ongoing discussions about the future composition of the NEC, with the subject expected to be discussed at an upcoming away day.

A spokesperson for Unite said: “This matter will be under discussion in the coming weeks ahead”.