Merger talks to create a new public service "super union" could yet take place following a vote yesterday by Impact delegates at their conference.
They overwhelmingly backed a proposal that Impact open discussions with the Civil Public and Services Union (CPSU) with a view to a merger in two years.
A three-way merger involving the Public Service Executive Union (PSEU) had been proposed, but delegates to its conference last month rejected the idea. The three unions had previously drawn up an agreed motion, calling for three-way discussions to be put to their respective conferences.
Impact general secretary Mr Peter McLoone told yesterday's conference that he initially advised the union's executive committee that, in light of the PSEU decision, the motion would have to be withdrawn.
However, following discussions with the CPSU general secretary, Mr Blair Horan, the two unions had decided to go ahead with the proposal.
The motion before delegates, he said, meant the PSEU could re-enter discussions if it had a change of view. Impact and the CPSU would report to the other union on their discussions towards the end of this year, leaving it open to the PSEU to debate it again at its annual conference next year if it wished.
It was also announced yesterday that Impact had opened merger talks with the 1,400-strong Federated Union of Government Employees, aimed at achieving a merger early next year. The FUGE represents lower-paid staff in non-clerical grades.
An amalgamation of Impact, the CPSU and the FUGE would create a 67,000-member organisation based on current figures.