GPMU general secretary Tony Dubbins says the union may have to merge to survive if finance-driven measures are rejected by its membership.

In an exclusive interview with PrintWeek, Dubbins said there would have to be some "very radical" changes made to the GPMU structure "if it wants to have the financial viability to stay independent".

He said that although the union was under "no pressure" to merge, decisions would have to be made over the next two years "as to whether this becomes much more of a reality".

Dubbins plans to retire in five years time when he is 62, and the union will start a search for his replacement among its membership within the next two years.

The union has faced criticism from some senior industry managers that it would rather see a plant close than budge on terms and conditions. But Dubbins refuted this and said the GPMU realised that "partnership is the way forward".

"I think that has resulted in a much more constructive approach with the major employers," he added. "We have been able to talk rationally about productivity, efficiency, training, and getting some recognition of the industrys requirements."

He said that the GPMU now had doors open within the government, allowing for discussion and for views to be shared.

Dubbins praised TUC general secretary John Monks for his part in improving the public perception of trade unions and providing a more responsive attitude from workers.

But he also criticised the governments indecision about entering the single European currency and called for it to produce a realistic timescale for entry.

"Once you lose work to Europe it is going to take time to win it back, if at all. We are not looking for overnight entry into the euro, but a reasonable timeframe will bring the value of the pound down and make British industry a bit more competitive," he said.

Story by Andy Scott