(Reuters circulated the following story on August 30.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A union representing about 40,000 railroad workers is on the verge of merging with the Teamsters.
Leaders of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees have approved the proposed merger, which now must be ratified by the rank-and-file in a September election. Ballots will be counted in October.
“This merger will unite two proud unions with long histories in the transportation industry working to protect and increase the power of transportation labor,” said Freddie Simpson, BMWE’s acting president.
The union would join the Teamsters’ rail division, which already had merged with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers last year.
“BMWE members will gain greater bargaining strength, greater political strength, and greater economic strength,” said Teamsters President James P. Hoffa.
BMWE represents workers in the United States and Canada who build, maintain, inspect and repair the tracks, bridges and related railroad infrastructure throughout North America.