Tentative results released in Steelworkers-IWA merger vote

Effective the first of next month, the United Steelworkers of America will merge with the Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers of Canada, creating Canada's largest private-sector trade union.

The merger has been tentatively approved by IWA members in referendum results announced tonight.

The following announcement was issued just before 7 p.m. by the Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers of Canada:

************************* 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 percent of the union's membership casting ballots, over 60 percent 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.

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