A union representing 1,200 non-clerical civil servants is to merge next month with Impact, the State's largest public sector union. Members of the Federated Union of Government Employees voted by a majority of more than 90 per cent in favour of the merger.
The Federated Union of Government Employees, which was formed in the early 1950s, represents workers in Government departments including service officers, court staff, cleaning staff, laboratory attendants and store keepers.
Its general secretary, Mick Coffey, said the merger with the 55,000-member Impact would result in a better service to its members. "We have created a better organisation with more influence," he said. "This merger will give our members a stronger voice on vital issues like decentralisation and low pay."
The Federated Union of Government Employees will now become one of the biggest branches in Impact's Civil Service division. Mr Coffey said its independence would be maintained within a bigger organisation.
Impact also represents workers in health, education, local government and state agencies.
Its general secretary, Peter McLoone, said members of the Federated Union of Government Employees would keep control over the decisions that affect them, while enjoying the benefits of being part of one of the State's biggest unions.
Impact was created in 1991 by a merger of three public service unions.