(The International Brotherhood of Teamsters issued the following news release on August 24.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — After approximately one year of negotiations, the leadership of Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE) voted unanimously to send a proposed merger agreement between BMWE and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) to the membership of BMWE for a ratification vote.
“By joining with other rail unions in the Teamsters Rail Conference, BMWE members will gain greater bargaining strength, greater political strength, and greater economic strength,” said James P. Hoffa, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
If the Merger Agreement and related documents are approved by the membership in the upcoming ballot referendum, the BMWE will become an autonomous division of the IBT Rail Conference. Last December, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers members voted to join the IBT Rail Conference.
BMWE Acting President Freddie Simpson stated, “This merger will unite two proud unions with long histories in the transportation industry working to protect and increase the power of transportation labor. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers already have joined the Teamsters, and if the BMWE also votes to join the Teamsters Rail Conference, over 40 percent of rail labor will be united in one union, speaking with one voice for the rank-and-file. That’s the kind of solidarity our members expect and deserve, BMWE, BLET and the Teamsters working together for the common good of all our members.”
All BMWE active members in good standing are eligible to vote in the referendum ballot. It is anticipated that the Merger Agreement and all related documents will be sent to all active members in good standing during the month of September 2004 and the ballots will be counted in October 2004.
BMWE represents approximately 40,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada who build, maintain, inspect, and repair the tracks, bridges, and related railroad infrastructure throughout North America.