THE proposed amalgamation of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) is a step closer after MUA members reportedly gave in-principle support for a merger at the union’s national conference yesterday.

The Australian Financial Review has been closely following the MUA Conference this week, with talks of creating a merger ‘super union’ high on the agenda.

Commenting on the developments in today’s press, AREEA executive director, policy and public affairs Scott Barklamb, said any new union structures should be subject to a public interest test.

“Regardless of how unions want to organise themselves and the logo they wear, employers will not hesitate to seek strong protections against any future secondary boycotts and illegal industrial action,” Mr Barklamb continues.

“Unions thinking new structures and links will give them new creative options for strikes and bans will find that thinking subject to immediate challenge.”

AREEA will closely monitor developments relating to an MUA/CFMEU merger and will update members as required.