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Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) leaders and members earlier this week voted in favor of forming a new union with the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW).

The new, as yet unnamed union will represent more than 300,000 workers in every province and 22 major economic sectors. It will be the largest union of its kind in Canada, CEP and CAW officials said in a prepared statement. CAW represents about 11,500 rail workers employed at CN, Canadian Pacific, VIA Rail Canada Inc. and other Canadian railroads.

"Our new union will be well-suited to take on today's challenges, particularly around the growing precariousness of employment," said CAW President Ken Lewenza. "Workers across the country will soon have a greater opportunity for union representation in their community and existing members will have more bargaining clout when sitting across from their employer at the negotiating table."

A joint proposal committee including eight local and national leaders from each organization soon will meet to plan upcoming work for groups assigned constitutional, implementation, staff relations, organizing, communications and convention planning tasks.

CEP and CAW officials have not yet set a date for a founding convention to be held in 2013.