SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The proposed merger between the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE) and the International Brotherhood of Boilermaker, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers) was defeated on November 14 by a margin of 1,837 votes.
“We have taken steps in accordance with numerous resolutions passed in as many years to present a viable merger proposal to our membership for ratification,” said BMWE President Mac A. Fleming. “Our members considered this proposal and it was defeated. Regardless of the vote outcome, our great union must, and will, continue to forge ahead in a positive and unified manner in order to meet the challenges of the future, collectively and in a meaningful way,” President Fleming continued. “ I applaud and thank the thousands of BMWE members who took the time to vote on this matter and look forward to everyone’s continued involvement in the best interest of the BMWE.”
On October 9, 39,533 ballots were sent to BMWE members to vote on a merger with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers. On November 14, the 21,468 votes which were returned were counted (54% of those sent). The merger proposal was defeated with 9,782 members voting in favor (45.5%) and 11,619 members voting against (54.1%). Fifty-eight ballots were voided and nine received were blank.