The Canadian Auto Workers Union and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada are looking at joining forces in order to better protect existing members and to help attract new ones.

The new plan would merge two of Canada’s largest private sector unions and would represent about 300,000 workers.

The unions said the decision is a response to what it calls multiple attacks on Canada’s labour force, including several pieces of back-to-work legislation passed by the federal government.

The groups also said the new union – which is still unnamed – would consist of five regional councils and feature a 25-member executive board.

The new union is expected to be created by next year.