(The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release on its website on September 15.)
WASHINTON, D.C. — The Grand Lodge officers of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) have voted unanimously to pursue merger/affiliation discussions with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Founded in 1887, BMWE represents approximately 40,000 workers who maintain railroad tracks, bridges, buildings and other related facilities throughout the United States and Canada.
The merger talks with BMWE follow closely the pending merger between the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Teamsters. Combining the strength and resources of the three Unions would significantly increase their power to negotiate wages, benefits and working conditions for members working in the rail industry. Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa and BLE President Donald Hahs have made reestablishing unity among rail unions a cornerstone of their efforts.
The BMWE received expressions of interest from several unions regarding the possibility of a merger. After carefully and thoroughly considering the results of exploratory meetings, the Grand Lodge officers voted to pursue discussions with the Teamsters on September 8, 2003.