The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada has voted by a large majority in favour of a merger with the Canadian Auto Workers union, a move that will create the country's largest private sector union.
   
A union spokesperson says that more than 90 per cent of delegates to the national convention in Quebec City endorsed the merger.
   
The vote follows unanimous support by CAW delegates in August.
   
The new union would represent more than 300,000 workers across roughly 20 economic sectors.
   
Most of the membership would be concentrated in manufacturing, communications and transportation.

But the new entity would also represent some public sector employees working in health, education and transit roles.
   
Unions represent some 30 per cent of the Canadian workforce, according to the CAW, well above levels in the United States.