Congress of Trade Unions has described as "highly significant and very positive" the overwhelming vote in support of the merger between Impact, the Public Service Executive Union (PSEU) and the Civil Public & Services Union (CPSU).
The decision to merge the three unions will lead to the formation of a new trade union, known as Fórsa.
Responding to the outcome of the ballot, Congress General Secretary Patricia King said:
'this is a hugely significant and positive step forward for the trade union movement. It is the culmination of many years work and brings to fruition a key element of the report of the Commission on the Trade Union Movement, published in 2011.
'this recommended that affiliate unions of Congress, working in common sectors should cooperate more closely and explore possible amalgamations and mergers, in order to increase their capacity to deliver for members and also their wider impact.
'the creation of Forsa helps deliver on this recommendation and provides a strong new voice for public service workers, across a range of areas.
"It will also enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the wider trade union movement across the island," Ms King concluded.
