The merger between the general workers union FNV Bondgenoten and other FNV-affiliated trade unions collapsed on Wednesday when Bondgenoten members narrowly voted against the plan.

Just seven more votes would have been enough to secure the merger, broadcaster Nos said. The deal needed 66.6% support.

Bondgenoten chairwoman Ellen Dekkers said she is extremely disappointed at the decision and she and other executives have now resigned.

The plan to merge Bondgenoten with the civil service, construction industry and sports industry mergers was drawn up several years ago. Earlier this month, Bondgenoten’s works council came out against the plan because of the likely job losses.

The FNV affiliated unions will meet again next week to discuss what to do next.

The Federatie Nederlandse Vakbewegingen is the Netherlands’ biggest trade union federation with 19 affiliated unions representing 1.2 million members.