QUEBEC CITY, QC—The largest private sector union in Canadian history has been formed with the merger of the Communications Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) and Canadian Auto Workers (CAW).

The new union will represent more than 300,000 workers across 22 economic sectors including manufacturing, communications and transportation. That includes media (Torstar, Globe and Mail, Quebecor, CTV, Rogers) as well as pulp and paper workers in major regions in the country.

The Media Union of BC (Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada Local 2000) represents 2,200 members in graphic design, printing, newspapers, and electronic media. 

The new union is yet to be named.

"With this new union we are sending out a clear message that labour is ready to do what is necessary to take on governments and employers who would like nothing better than to see us disappear," said Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union National President Dave Coles in a statement on the auto workers' union website. 

A date has not yet been set for the founding convention, which will be scheduled for 2013, reads the statement.