The ballot will seek members endorsement for negotiations, and would be followed by another ballot, probably in the middle of 2004, for members to accept any merger document.
Dubbins said that there were many parallels between the two unions, notably that Amicus was predominantly a private sector manufacturing union, it too was committed to training and mid-life learning, and was also pro-Europe.
Amicus members work with our members in printing, papermaking, packaging, newspapers and the media. A merger will create one union across the industries we cover, said Dubbins.
Amicus has already indicated that it would transfer 20,000 of its members into a new sector for the graphics arts. Union subscriptions for GPMU members would fall to 2.12 a week from the present average of 3.50.
All agreements with employers and employers organisations, like the National Agreement, would continue to be negotiated by GPMU officials at chapel, branch and national level.
Amicus general secretary Derek Simpson said: The decision by the GPMUs Executive [Council] to recommend to its members to open formal discussions with a view to merging with Amicus provides an historic opportunity for the trade union and labour movement.
Amicus, which was formed earlier this year when the AEEU and MSF merged, has more than 1m members. Last year, PrintWeek revealed that the GPMU was looking for possible partners for merger including Amicus (PrintWeek, 5 July 2002).
Story by John Davies
Have your say in the Printweek Poll
Related stories
Latest comments
"Well done all involved... great to see the investment to increase the productivity in the same footprint- much more sustainable than popping another one up."
"From 1949 until the late 2000s Remploy had a network of government-subsidised factories that offered employment specifically to disabled people, originally often war veterans or victims of industrial..."
"Does appear an odd decision as with that level of shareholder funds they would be liable for the staff redundancy and cover the insolvency costs. It’s not like they could take the money and dodge..."
Up next...
Andrew Whyte takes reins
MBO at LT Print Group ensures smooth transition
Educational day in Yorkshire
Northern Stationers see historic print and more in York
Supporting growth in new and existing markets
WTTB backs digital intentions with new e-commerce specialist
Investment in e-commerce fulfilment