DELEGATES AFFIRM BMWE MEMBERS to VOTE on NEW MERGER PROPOSAL

On Wednesday afternoon, July 10, 2002, the delegates to the 44th Regular Grand Lodge Convention overwhelmingly passed the following resolution to place the question of merger with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers before the members of the BMWE by referendum ballot.

    WHEREAS, this Brotherhood has had to spend more money than it takes in to sustain operations despite cutbacks of personnel and expenses, and this deficit spending will likely remain necessary into the future; and

    WHEREAS, this Quadrennial Convention has made provision to cover this shortfall by reaching into the union's United States Strike Fund; and

    WHEREAS, this arrangement cannot guarantee the long-term stability of the Grand Lodge; and

    WHEREAS, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Blacksmiths and Iron Ship Builders have reached a new tentative Merger Agreement; and

    WHEREAS, if implemented promptly, that Merger Agreement would eliminate the need to run our Grand Lodge operation off of the Strike Fund;

    THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Convention instructs the Grand Lodge President to move promptly upon the close of these proceedings to place the question of merger before the members of the Brotherhood by referendum ballot, and to proceed with all deliberate speed to complete that process; and

    IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President, in consultation with the Merger Committee, take steps as they deem necessary to enable the membership to cast an informed vote;

    IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President be authorized to expend such funds as necessary as reasonably required to carry out the foregoing mandate of this convention.

(Corrected 7/17/02)