The Burnaby-based Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) and the United Steelworkers (USW) announced August 29 they have reached a tentative merger agreement.
The TWU's executive council is expected to review the deal in early September.
After the review, TWU representatives will discuss the agreement with their members through meetings, webinars and a website dedicated to the proposed merger. A vote will be scheduled afterward.
"This is a merger about better bargaining power, about better service to members and a strong voice for telecommunications workers when the federal government is making moves like its misguided Verizon scheme," said TWU national president Lee Riggs.
The TSW represents 13,000 people working in telecommunication, cable TV and call centres across Canada.
The USW represents 225,000 members.
Earlier in August, the Canadian Autoworkers Union merged with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada. The new entity, known as UNIFOR, represents 300,000 members.
