Resolutions Adopted by the Delegates to the 44^th BMWE Grand Lodge Convention

July 8 - 12, 2002

(with revised Bylaw Article references)

RESOLUTION No. 1

RE: BMWE IN THE FOREFRONT OF RAIL LABOR

WHEREAS, The ongoing and future contract negotiations are of the utmost importance to the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes; and

WHEREAS, It is important that the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes be the leading participant in rail labor's struggle for full employment, fair wages and dignity on the job; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record to request the Grand Lodge President to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes will be in the forefront of the rail labor unions on issues of full employment, fair wages and dignity on the job.

RESOLUTION No. 2

RE: ARTICLE XXIV, SECTION 9 - CONTRACT APPROVAL

WHEREAS, Article XXIII (formerly XXIV), Section 9 of the Grand Lodge Constitution and Bylaws restricts a system from beginning negotiations with railway officials until the schedule to be negotiated has been presented to and approved by the Grand Lodge President or his designated representative; and

WHEREAS, Article XXIII (formerly XXIV), Section 14 states that it shall be the policy of the Brotherhood to establish uniform basic rules and rates of pay for members performing comparable work; and

WHEREAS, Article III, Section 8 of the Grand Lodge Constitution and Bylaws states that the Grand Lodge President shall have the power to suspend from office any Grand Lodge or system division or federation officer who, without having obtained the President's permission, deviates from any uniform wages or rules and working conditions policy that has been or shall be established; and

WHEREAS, The general chairmen, on a day-to-day basis, have contact with carrier officers; and

WHEREAS, Many times the carrier or the Organization wishes to discuss changes in wages, rules and working conditions; and

WHEREAS, Sometimes it would be beneficial to the members we represent if we could initial an agreement at that time if the system division or federation officer only knew what the Grand Lodge policy was on wages, rules and working conditions; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Grand Lodge continue its policy concerning wages, rules and working conditions; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That such policy and any changes in such policy be distributed to each general chairman; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a system division or federation can negotiate with carrier officers without first getting Grand Lodge approval concerning changes in wages, rules and working conditions so long as those negotiations do not involve changes in wages, rules and working conditions below the standard set by Grand Lodge; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That if such negotiations result in a tentative agreement with the carrier, that the general chairman will be authorized to initial such agreement pending the approval of the Grand Lodge President or his authorized representative.

RESOLUTION No. 3

RE: HONORING OF UNION PICKET LINES

WHEREAS, The members of the Brotherhood recognize that only through solidarity with their sister unions can we expect to prevail in our just demands with the railroads; and

WHEREAS, The primary method to show solidarity with other railway unions is to respect and honor their picket lines; and

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood can instruct a member to respect and honor the picket lines of another union subject to prevailing law. The Brotherhood can and must encourage each of its members to respect and honor the picket lines of another union; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That it shall be the policy of the Brotherhood to honor the picket lines of unions on strike. For clarification, the Brotherhood considers all locations on the lines of a railroad to be picketed where such lawful strike action has been taken by a union whether or not a picket sign is physically present; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That it shall also be the policy of this Brotherhood to represent, to the best of our ability and means, any member of our Brotherhood who has been subjected to any disciplinary action by a carrier as a direct result of having voluntarily honored a union's picket line; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes reaffirm this policy of honoring picket lines when a sister union is on strike.

RESOLUTION No. 4

RE: STRIKE FUND

WHEREAS, The Grand Lodge Executive Committee initiated a $5.00 strike assessment in March of 1986; and

WHEREAS, The Grand Lodge Officers have carefully considered both the financial condition of the Grand Lodge General Fund and the Strike Fund; and

WHEREAS, The 41^st Grand Lodge Convention discontinued the Strike Fund assessment; and

WHEREAS, The members at said Convention indicated their strong desire to have this fund grow; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the monies in the Strike Fund remain in the fund and continue to be prudently invested at the highest rate possible. The interest accumulated would remain in the Strike Fund.

RESOLUTION No. 5

RE: UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

WHEREAS, Members of our Organization drawing unemployment benefits are faced with the continued rise in the cost of living; and

WHEREAS, The present daily benefits thereof are not sufficient to meet today's high cost of living; and

WHEREAS, The continued rise in inflation has placed extreme hardships on our members; Therefore, be it;

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record requesting that said daily benefits be increased to the amount consistent with the current cost of living; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention urge our Grand Lodge President to take this matter into consideration for handling at such time as the opportunity presents itself.

RESOLUTION No. 6

RE: RAILROAD EMPLOYEES' MEDICAL RECORDS

WHEREAS, Railroad employees do not pay into state workers' compensation funds; and

WHEREAS, Railroad employees are ineligible for state workers' compensation benefits; and

WHEREAS, State workers' compensation acts provide that an employee receiving workers' compensation benefits automatically grants release of confidential medical information concerning his/her injury to his/her employer as a condition of receiving benefits; and

WHEREAS, The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act does not require such medical disclosure to the railroad employer as a condition of receiving Railroad Sickness Benefits; and

WHEREAS, The Federal Employers' Liability Act provides railroad employers with unlimited liability for job-related injuries to railroad employees; and

WHEREAS, Medical practitioners, clinics and hospitals rarely understand the differences between medical information release requirements of the job-related injury compensation programs for non-railroad and railroad employees; and

WHEREAS, Railroad claims agents frequently illegally obtain confidential medical information about injured railroad employees by knowingly and falsely asserting to the medical care providers that the injured railroad employee is covered by the information release provisions of state Workers' Compensation Acts; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record instructing BMWE-endorsed State Representatives and Senators to introduce and/or support legislation requiring:

1. All licensed medical practitioners, clinics, hospitals and other medical facilities to carry out a program to educate all of their employees with access to medical records that railroad employees are not covered by the Workers' Compensation Acts and that medical information cannot be released without the written consent of that employee.

2. Automatic suspension or revocation of the operating license(s) of any medical practitioner, clinic, hospital or medical facility which releases any medical records of any railroad employee to his/her employer or that employer's agent without the employee's prior written consent.

3. Immediate notification of the railroad employee affected at his/her last known address of the identity of any individual or corporation to whom his/her medical records, or any portion thereof, are released.

4. Felony penalties including mandatory minimum prison sentence for any railroad employer's officer or agent who attempts to obtain any portion of any other railroad employee's medical records by asserting that he is acting under state workers' compensation statutes and/or that the employee whose records are being requested is covered by state workers' compensation benefits.

5. Any medical practitioner, clinic, hospital or other medical facility to immediately notify the State Attorney General of any request made for any portion of any railroad employee's medical records under the pretense of workers' compensation coverage to allow prompt investigation and prosecution by the appropriate enforcement agency.

RESOLUTION No. 7

RE: INSURANCE - FURLOUGHED EMPLOYEES

WHEREAS, Furloughed employees lose their health insurance and other benefits after four months of furlough; and

WHEREAS, These employees are least able to afford to pay the premiums to continue coverage through their furlough period; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes attempt to negotiate a contract to continue insurance benefits to all furloughed employees holding seniority under a BMWE Agreement.

RESOLUTION No. 8

RE: CONTRACTORS TO PAY RAILROAD RETIREMENT TAXES

WHEREAS, The contracting out of work is one of the most important issues facing our membership; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of our members have lost their jobs on account of contractors performing Maintenance of Way duties and are unable to continue to provide a decent standard of living for themselves and their families; and

WHEREAS, The contractor's forces are not required to pay into the Railroad Retirement system; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes direct our Grand Lodge President to promptly contact the President of the Contractor's Association for a meeting; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes instruct the Grand Lodge President to do everything possible in order to see that all contractors and their employees are required to pay into the Railroad Retirement system.

RESOLUTION No. 9

RE: CANADIAN RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The federal law in Canada governing labour relations and the certification of bargaining units, the Canada Labour Code, in s.18, empowers the Canada Labour Relations Board to vary, review or rescind existing bargaining units on application and after hearing; and

WHEREAS, The Canadian Pacific and the Canadian National Railways have strongly indicated that they will make an application to the Canada Labour Relations Board, pursuant to s.18, to reduce the number of railway unions by amalgamating existing bargaining units into larger units; and

WHEREAS, The Canada Labour Relations Board by its recent decisions and precedents, i.e., Canada Post, Marine Atlantic (Via Rail heard, but not decided), has clearly indicated that it supports the consolidation of bargaining units in an industry and thus the reduction of the number of unions; and

WHEREAS, The Canadian members of many international unions, including the Canadian members of several of the railroad brotherhoods, have taken action similar to this resolution in order to continue the spirit of cooperation that has existed between our Canadian and American members for so many years; and

WHEREAS, We recognize and respect that, by law or through the necessity for survival, our Canadian members may be required to separate their relationship with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes recommend that the Executive Committee of the Central Committee for Canada prepare a proposed plan that would achieve the results desired by their members and submit it to the Grand Lodge President; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President convene the Grand Lodge Executive Board and the Executive Committee of the Central Committee for Canada, within 120 days of receipt of the proposal, for the purpose of agreeing upon fair and equitable terms to be approved in accordance with the Grand Lodge Constitution and Bylaws under which the plan may be implemented. This plan must be approved by a majority of all subordinate lodges from each individual system federation in Canada.

RESOLUTION No. 10

RE: SHORT LINES

WHEREAS, The Staggers Act deregulating the railroad industry was passed with the support of rail labor; and

WHEREAS, The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has chosen to reinterpret the Staggers Act to permit carriers to divest themselves of property to newly formed carriers without paying protective benefits which have historically been required under the Interstate Commerce Act; and

WHEREAS, Carriers across the United States are taking advantage of this new interpretation of the Interstate Commerce Act by divesting themselves of property to newly formed carriers, causing our Brothers and Sisters to lose jobs or be transferred to the new carrier at reduced pay and benefits and without union representation; Therefore, be it

RESOLUTION No. 11

RE: JOB STABILIZATION

WHEREAS, The drastic reduction in Maintenance of Way forces on railroads, in both the United States and Canada, and relocation of employees is a matter of grave concern to our Brotherhood because of the unsettling effects that they have on our members, as well as the resultant reduction in employment levels; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes reaffirm our desire to secure improved protection for Maintenance of Way employes, not only for the benefit of the individual employee, but also for the well-being of rail transportation in both the United States and Canada; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That we direct our Grand Lodge and system officers to do everything within their power to secure the jobs of the Brotherhood's members through the negotiation of improved agreements and inclusion of proper safeguards in appropriate laws.

RESOLUTION No. 12

RE: FEDERAL EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY ACT

WHEREAS, The Nation's railroads have initiated a major assault to repeal the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA); and

WHEREAS, Through the carriers' efforts, many of our Nation's Senators and Representatives have been led to believe that an inferior state no-fault workers' compensation should replace the Federal Employers' Liability Act; and

WHEREAS, With the help of many of our elected friends of labor in both the House and Senate, and the superior efforts of our appointed law firms; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes commend and encourage our elected friends and legal firms for their untiring and continuing efforts to protect and preserve the Federal Employers' Liability Act; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes pledge our support to our law firms and elected officials by continuing to contact and write all of the Senators and Representatives who believe that the Federal Employers' Liability Act should be repealed; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record empowering our Grand Lodge President to join our elected friends and FELA firms in protecting rail labor's FELA rights.

RESOLUTION No. 13

RE: FELA EVALUATION FORM

WHEREAS, At times our members experience on-the-job injuries and at times even fatalities and, as a result, these members or their survivors have cause to seek out legal counsel for recovery under the auspices of FELA; and

WHEREAS, It is the desire of the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes to provide its membership with a list of designated and approved names of law firms for their use if they so desire; and

WHEREAS, To insure that when any member does utilize a legal firm included on such list for that purpose, they will continue to receive the utmost professional, courteous and responsive legal assistance at the most reasonable fee allowable in a consistent manner coast to coast; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That each BMWE-designated and approved law firm provide, to each and every Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes member or their survivors retaining same, an approved form for the purpose of personally evaluating that firm's legal assistance and service to such member or their survivors during the handling of that member's legal case; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That such approved form shall be completed at the conclusion of such member's legal case by such member or their survivors and mailed to Grand Lodge, with a copy to the respective general chairman, and that Grand Lodge shall retain and file such evaluations by corresponding approved law firms. Such file to be reviewed annually by the Grand Lodge Executive Board to determine if the members' or their survivors' evaluations deem that legal firm's assistance and representation as acceptable, and if any emerging pattern to the contrary exists, appropriate action will be undertaken; and, be it further

RESOLVED, Such form shall be clearly and explicitly spelled out that such member or their survivors do not, if at all possible, refer to such monetary settlement award, as such evaluation does not concern itself with that matter.

RESOLUTION No. 14

RE: NON-DESIGNATED LAW FIRMS

WHEREAS, It has long been the policy of this Brotherhood to select reputable law firms of high standards to represent this Organization and its members; and

WHEREAS, These law firms have always been welcome to attend Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes' meetings such as Grand Lodge Conventions, International Association meetings, Regional Association meetings and other Grand Lodge-sponsored functions; and

WHEREAS, In recent times, representatives of other law firms who are not recognized as appointed legal counsel and who were not invited by Grand Lodge Officers of this Brotherhood are showing up at some of the scheduled aforementioned functions, sponsoring hospitality rooms and attending Brotherhood receptions; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That any uninvited firms or representatives of non-designated firms who willfully attend said functions without invitation from the Grand Lodge President or his designated representatives will cause their firms to not be considered now or in any future time for appointment to represent this Brotherhood and its members.

RESOLUTION No. 15

RE: DESIGNATED (FELA) COUNSEL

WHEREAS, The United States Supreme Court has recognized the compelling need and constitutional right of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes to protect our members' rights under the Federal Employers' Liability Act and related statutes by, among other things, establishing legal aid programs to advise workers who are injured to obtain legal advice and to recommend specific lawyers; and

WHEREAS, The membership relies on its elected officers to administer this constitutionally protected legal aid program and to advise members how to seek and retain competent and fair legal counsel having demonstrated expertise in these matters; and

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes has exercised its constitutional right to provide its injured members such advice and specific recommendations by creating a system of designated legal counsel committed to our members' best interest and who faithfully maintain and carry out the Brotherhood's legal aid program by:

(a) Explicitly agreeing to participate in this constitutionally protected professional relationship pursuant to Brotherhood standards of fairness and accountability;

(b) Demonstrating continuing proven expertise in the complex statutory protection embodied in FELA;

(c) Agreeing to charge reasonable fees, keep necessary expenses to a minimum, and to provide free advice to any member regarding his or her injury;

(d) Actively supporting and participating in Brotherhood conferences, legislative activities, education/training programs and other lodge meetings or activities as requested by Brotherhood Officers; and

WHEREAS, The United States Supreme Court has also declared that lawyers accepting employment within our designated counsel system also share the Brotherhood's constitutional right and protection in carrying out the Brotherhood's plan for contacting and advising injured workers to obtain legal advice and to recommend specific Brotherhood-approved lawyers; and

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood has a compelling need and interest in strengthening the protective benefits of the designated counsel system and eliminating the possibility of mistaken impressions harmful to our legal aid program; and

WHEREAS, Allowing non-designated legal counsel to be present or participate before, during or after any sanctioned union activity, meeting, or function would breach the constitutionally protected professional relationship established between the Brotherhood, its members, and designated legal counsel; and would also mislead members who may mistakenly believe that non-designated legal counsel are approved by the Brotherhood and share the same relationship and commitment to the Brotherhood as designated legal counsel as outlined above; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That it shall be the policy of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes that only properly designated legal counsel and their authorized representatives be invited to participate in or otherwise be present before, during or after meetings, social activities or other functions of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Grand Lodge, system divisions/federations, or subordinate lodges; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That it shall also be the policy of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes that, along with Brotherhood Officers themselves, only designated legal counsel, or their staff, be authorized by the Brotherhood to initiate contact with any member who may require information concerning the advisability of obtaining legal advice, or advice recommending specific lawyers employed within this constitutionally protected legal aid program.

RESOLUTION No. 16

RE: MAINTENANCE OF WAY POLITICAL LEAGUE

WHEREAS, This Brotherhood has an obligation to work for legislation that is beneficial to the interests of our membership and to improve labor conditions whenever possible through the support of legislators whose views are compatible with those of our membership; and

WHEREAS, These obligations and objectives can only be secured if we have the means to assist in the election of legislators who are responsive to the needs of labor; and

WHEREAS, The Maintenance of Way Political League was founded for this purpose, and has worked to inform our membership politically, and stressed the necessity as well as the importance of registering and voting at all levels of government; and

WHEREAS, Our retired members have benefitted through legislation that has increased and improved Railroad Retirement annuities, Medicare and other similar programs; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes urge every member, active and retired, to support the work of the Political League through voluntary contributions in order that our Maintenance of Way Political League may continue to render its vital services; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That we work most diligently to enroll every member of our Brotherhood in the Political League, and that we pledge ourselves to this end, which is necessary to ensure the election and re-election of our friends in the National and State Legislatures.

RESOLUTION No. 17

RE: SOLIDARITY: LEGISLATIVE AND PROTECTIVE DEPARTMENTS

WHEREAS, The legislative arena has a tremendous impact on issues which traditionally have fallen under the jurisdiction of the Protective Department of the Brotherhood, and likewise, the activities of the Protective Department seriously impact the issues facing the Legislative Department; and

WHEREAS, The collective efforts and consensus building between the Legislative and Protective Departments are required to advance all issues which impact on our ability to represent our members; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes call for a greater unity to advance the issues which face our members in general to a successful conclusion.

RESOLUTION No. 18

RE: ANNUAL SICK LEAVE

WHEREAS, There are Maintenance of Way employees who do not have annual sick leave agreements; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President exert his best efforts to obtain agreements providing an adequate number of paid sick leave days for all Maintenance of Way employees which would not interfere with the present Supplemental Sickness benefits.

RESOLUTION No. 19

RE: WORK SEASON

WHEREAS, Many of our members are employed seasonally; and

WHEREAS, Much of their seasonal work could be performed over a longer work season; and

WHEREAS, A longer work season would help our members accumulate more months of service for step rate increases, and extended employment benefits; and

WHEREAS, A shorter standard work week would allow our members more time off while serving to extend the work season; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes attempt to negotiate a shorter standard work week with no reduction in pay.

RESOLUTION No. 20

RE: ARBITRATOR REVIEW COMMITTEE

WHEREAS, Notwithstanding our desires to the contrary, arbitration of disputes is gaining increasing prominence both as to the number and significance of disputes subject to arbitration; and

WHEREAS, The arbitration of these disputes on any individual railroad may have considerable impact on the lives of our members and their families on a national basis; and

WHEREAS, The selection of arbitrators plays a critical role in the final outcome of these disputes; and

WHEREAS, The selection of arbitrators is a difficult process dependant upon analysis of a wide variety of objective and subjective data; and

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood should maintain solidarity and act on a unified national front with respect to the selection of arbitrators; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President shall appoint an Arbitrator Review Committee comprised of elected and appointed officers knowledgeable about arbitration of various types to review and make recommendations concerning arbitrator selection; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the duly appointed committee shall convene no less than once per year to review arbitrator performance and issue written recommendations as to acceptable and unacceptable arbitrators; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That any elected or appointed officer of the Brotherhood may submit recommendations and factual information to the committee concerning arbitrator performance; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That in order to further our cause and demonstrate solidarity, each elected and appointed officer of the Brotherhood, charged with the responsibility of selecting arbitrators, shall make every reasonable effort to avoid selecting arbitrators that are not found to be acceptable by the Arbitrator Review Committee; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President shall advise the presidents of our sister rail labor organizations of this resolution and seek their cooperation in establishing a multi-craft Arbitrator Review Committee to pool our collective knowledge and build solidarity among the crafts.

RESOLUTION No. 21

RE: OPERATION LIFESAVER

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes is concerned with the improvements and maintenance of railroad grade crossings; and

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes' efforts in the engineering of grade crossings and their assurance of proper visibility is essential in prevention of many train/vehicle accidents; and

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes' members recognize the potential dangers to trespassers, fishing off railroad bridges, crossing through railroad cars in yards, and children playing around and on railroad tracks as well as throwing objects at passing trains; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes endorse and support the grade crossing safety program known as "Operation Lifesaver;" and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes encourage our membership to become "Operation Lifesaver" presenters, in hopes of eliminating deaths to young children around railroad tracks, and at countless train/vehicle collisions each year. If just one life is saved in making "Operation Lifesaver" presentations, then the time spent is well worth it.

RESOLUTION No. 22

RE: NEW POSITIONS AND VACANCIES - GRAND LODGE

WHEREAS, It is the wishes of the delegates assembled at this 44^th Grand Lodge Convention to reaffirm Resolution No. 23 of the 43^rd Grand Lodge Convention regarding the advertising of jobs at Grand Lodge; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, that all new positions and vacancies, except those subject to reappointment of the current employee and those not covered by the election process of our Constitution, be advertised in the BMWE Journal so that our membership who wish to apply for these jobs may do so.

RESOLUTION No. 23

RE: MEMORIAL PLAQUE

WHEREAS, Railroad management has adopted oppressive cost-cutting measures in the industry that has brutalized working conditions for members working in railroad track departments and has resulted in tremendous profits for the owners and the overpaid railroad managers; and

WHEREAS, This downsizing has resulted in management creating working conditions and work procedures with the cooperation of their allies in the government regulatory agencies, particularly with the FRA which have left scores of hard-working railroad maintenance workers dead since 1988 in the United States and Canada, and many more mutilated; and

WHEREAS, The sweat and blood which our members have spilled on the railroad tracks to create a life for themselves and their families is directly related to the corporate greed of the owners and the bonus-hungry railroad managers; and

WHEREAS, This slaughter is responded to by railroad management with a callous disregard to the truth of this situation, which results in railroad management defrauding and insulting our dead and mutilated Bothers and Sisters and responding to the situation; and

WHEREAS, Our Union will not permit the further insults of railroad management to continue; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes institute a system of honoring and recognizing those members of our Union who lost their lives in the line of duty; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That their contributions to our Brotherhood be acknowledged and that their families are made aware of our appreciation with a permanent reminder for them in the form of a plaque to be presented to them; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes present to the families of all Brothers and Sisters who have lost their lives on the job from January 1, 1993, a plaque in their honor; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President request from all general chairmen the names of all Brothers and Sisters who have lost their lives on the job beginning January 1, 1980, and that their names and all that may follow be placed on a permanent memorial at Grand Lodge headquarters honoring their memory; and, be it further

RESOLVED, In the event any member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes is killed while on duty for their respective railroad employer, at least one system officer from the deceased's respective system federation should make every effort possible to attend the funeral. In the event any member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes is killed while on duty for their respective railroad employer, the President of the Grand Lodge, or one of his or her agents, should make every effort possible to attend the funeral of the deceased member.

RESOLUTION No. 24

RE: THE VETERANS' PLEDGE

WHEREAS, A fundamental principle in representative democracy holds that the people elected representatives must be permitted to advance the legislative preferences of their constituents; and

WHEREAS, The House Rules Committee, which serves the House by framing debate on legislation when bills are taken up on the House floor, is always bypassed in Veterans' Affairs; and

WHEREAS, All bills emerging from the House Veterans' Affairs Committee are exempt from floor amendment because they are treated as non-controversial and placed on the Suspension of the Rules Calendar; and

WHEREAS, There are very few members of the House who sit on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, leaving the majority of House members with virtually no opportunity to advance the legislative interests of their veteran constituents on the House floor; and

WHEREAS, The cost of each veteran bill is very expensive, and the VA budget is in the billions; and

WHEREAS, Important legislation offering judicial review is often sidetracked, and only modest legislation to provide compensation for those affected by Agent Orange was passed; and

WHEREAS, Many other important health care issues are being sidetracked such as Post Traumatic Stress; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Department distribute this resolution to all candidates for elective office of the United States House of Representatives and seek their pledge that, if elected, they will do whatever is necessary to represent the issues of the veterans.

RESOLUTION No. 25

RE: ORGAN DONORS

WHEREAS, There are members whose families are in dire need of an organ donation; and

WHEREAS, Unless there are more who will step forward and donate organs people will surely perish; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes be encouraged and encourage our Brothers and Sisters to be organ donors.

RESOLUTION No. 26

RE: RESOLUTION ON RETIREES

WHEREAS, The retirees of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes have exhibited a desire to contribute to the welfare of this Brotherhood by wanting to stay involved in its struggle to fight for our members; and

WHEREAS, Many of our retired members have very valuable talents that can be beneficial to the membership of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes; and

WHEREAS, At this present time we have no established program for the retirees; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the retirees present at the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes respectfully request that the Grand Lodge President study the feasibility of organizing a Retiree program.

RESOLUTION No. 27

RE: CONSOLIDATION OF UNIONS

WHEREAS, It has been the policy of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes in the past to be a leader in rail labor's struggle for full employment, fair wages and dignity on the job; and

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes' membership has been reduced significantly over the years; and

WHEREAS, Every other railroad labor union has realized similar declines in its membership, and realizing that rail labor is in a fight for its very existence as we know it and in an attempt to reverse this trend; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That it continue to be the policy of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes to be a leader in rail labor's struggle for full employment, fair wages and dignity on the job; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That as a means of attaining these goals and realizing that there is strength in numbers; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record to request that the Grand Lodge President explore all avenues consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws, the feasibility of affiliation, etc. with all other rail and/or non-rail unions.

RESOLUTION No. 28

RE: RUIA - MILITARY SERVICE

WHEREAS, Numerous railroad employees have served their country honorably and well in various branches of the armed forces for periods in excess of twenty (20) years; and

WHEREAS, These military veterans receive military retirement pay as partial compensation for their long military service; and

WHEREAS, If these veterans work for non-military employers, they can become eligible for state unemployment benefits in case of layoff and for workers' compensation in case of injury; and

WHEREAS, The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA, Section 4, A-1, ii) prohibits payment of railroad unemployment benefits or railroad sickness benefits to otherwise eligible railroad employees who are now receiving military retirement pay for twenty (20) years or more of military service; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes solicit all BMWE-endorsed U.S. Representatives and Senators to introduce and/or support legislation amending the Railroad Retirement Insurance Act to allow railroad employees collecting military retirement pay to also be eligible for railroad unemployment and insurance benefits if they otherwise meet the qualifications of these benefit programs; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a report will be made to each Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes International Association meeting concerning the Brotherhood's progress in implementing this resolution.

RESOLUTION No. 29

RE: PROVIDING BENEFITS FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE(S) AND DEPENDENT(S)

WHEREAS, With current rules and regulations governing Railroad Retirement benefits for a surviving spouse(s) and dependent(s), there is and has been a void in concern with the interim between the death of the member and qualifying retirement age of the surviving spouse(s) and dependent(s); and

WHEREAS, A surviving spouse(s) of a Maintenance of Way railroad worker who is less than 60 years of age, who does not care for dependent children under the age of 18 or disabled children, and who is not disabled, is not entitled to any annuity under current law of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Act; and

WHEREAS, The surviving spouse(s) and dependent(s) of a Maintenance of Way railroad worker that are not covered by continuation of the negotiated medical coverage; and

WHEREAS, The surviving spouse(s) and dependent(s) who fall under such circumstances are placed in a financial situation whereby they may very well become destitute; and

WHEREAS, This Organization has a history of protecting surviving family members of our Brothers; Therefore, be it

RESOLUTION No. 30

NATIONAL VACATION AGREEMENT

WHEREAS, The stress and pressure on Maintenance of Way employes in the workplace has been increasing in recent years; and

WHEREAS, Paid time off for the Maintenance of Way employes has become increasingly important to the membership; and

WHEREAS, The National Vacation Agreement for non-operating employes has not been substantially changed since 1971; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record directing the Grand Lodge President and negotiating committee to seek improvements in the National Non-operating Vacation Agreement providing for a decrease in the number of qualifying years for vacation and an increase in the number of vacation days allowed; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the National Vacation Agreement be amended to provide that an employee working less than his qualifying period will receive vacation on a pro-rated formula based on actual number of days of compensated service in the calendar year.

RESOLUTION No. 31

RE: STB AUTHORIZATION: REFORMS TO PROTECT WORKERS AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST

WHEREAS, With Surface Transportation Board (STB) reauthorization legislation possible this year, Congress has the opportunity to reign in the power that mega-rail carriers exercise over workers, shippers and communities. Workers' rights and job security must be enhanced, safety must take on added importance, and Congress must end the outrageous practice of discarding private union contracts at the mere request of merging railroads. Unfortunately, the STB has typically adopted and implemented policies that ignore these concerns and the effect they have on railroad employees and the overall public interest; and

WHEREAS, Since the passage of the Staggers Act in 1980, the nation has witnessed an unprecedented consolidation in the rail industry that has left thousands of workers out of jobs and has vested unprecedented market power with a few mammoth rail carriers. While the STB has a statutory obligation to consider "the interests of rail carrier employees" affected by proposed mergers, not a single proposed transaction has been rejected or significantly altered because of employee concerns. Workers are promised generous New York Dock benefits, but in reality the railroads fight making these protective payments every step of the way by using long, drawn out legal proceedings to delay or escape fulfilling their obligations to employees; and

WHEREAS, Not only has the STB refused to protect employees, but it has used a tortured interpretation of law to cancel out collective bargaining agreements made between employees and railroads who later argue that the agreement interferes with a pending merger or acquisition. The STB has extended its authority to justify almost any change that the carriers request even if it is far removed from what is required to complete a transaction. If the nation's rail carriers want to make changes to private collective bargaining agreements, then they should do what every other company with a collective bargaining relationship must, sit down with the employees and negotiate an agreement. Transportation labor calls on the Congress to finally put a stop to the practice of a federal agency trampling on the private contract rights of thousands of taxpayers who work on America's railroads; and

WHEREAS, We are also concerned about the lack of attention that has been paid to ensuring that rail transactions are completed in a manner that will not jeopardize the safety of workers and the public at large. We need only look at the problems that Union Pacific experienced as it attempted to complete its merger with Southern Pacific to understand the terrible impact a merger can have on safety. The STB has recently entered into rule making designed to ensure that the safety concerns of rail transactions can be fully evaluated before approval is granted. While we support imposing new safety requirements on merging railroads, we suspect that there will be attempts to weaken this rule by excluding certain transactions or limiting the amount of information that rail carriers must provide. It must be recognized that the STB has an obligation to ensure that the transactions it approves, regardless of the size or type of applicant involved, will not put workers or the general public at further risk; and

WHEREAS, Shippers and their employees who are dependent on rail transportation also find themselves at the mercy of virtual rail monopolies. Transportation labor has long maintained that the reduction of competition in the rail industry causes devastating job cuts, harms the economy and communities, and is contrary to sound transportation policy. The massive consolidation also threatens the motor carrier sector where hundreds of thousands of Teamsters are employed. While operators in competing transportation modes fight over market share, the gains on one side always come at the expense of workers on both sides as carriers play the cut throat game of downsizing and squeezing more out of fewer employees; and

WHEREAS, As rail mergers and other transactions continue to reduce transportation options and market power is further concentrated, it is increasingly important that the role of the STB be reexamined. While transportation labor continues to evaluate proposals to increase competition or address shipper-carrier issues, we know from first-hand experience that massive and unrestrained consolidation in the railroad industry without regard to the needs of shippers, communities and employees, and to the transportation system itself, has been disastrous. We will continue to be mindful of this fact as Congress considers rail competition proposals; and

WHEREAS, Some have suggested that the STB, as currently structured, is simply incapable of fulfilling its public interest obligations and should be disbanded with its responsibilities parceled out to other government agencies. While this is not a new proposal, it has surfaced again because many believe the STB may have outlived its purpose or is too close to the industry that it is charged with overseeing. Transportation labor is seriously examining such a proposal. Meanwhile, to help guard against potential conflicts of interest, we propose that STB members be subjected to a "revolving door" policy curtailing their participation in the industry once their service terminates; and

WHEREAS, It is clear that Congress must take every opportunity to force the STB to perform its statutory responsibility to protect the public interest and ensure that protections embodied in statute are carried out in practice, and that voices other than railroad executives are heard. Workers, shippers, communities, and state and local governments deserve nothing less; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes direct the Grand Lodge President to urge all U. S. Representatives and Senators to introduce and/or support legislation that will put a stop to the Surface Transportation Board's practice of granting the carriers the authority to make wholesale changes to privately negotiated labor agreements; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this legislation include provisions that would require the Surface Transportation Board to use the same standards for reviewing mergers as the Justice Department uses when reviewing mergers in other sectors of private industry; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes will work with the rest of rail labor to promote any non-violent means necessary to promote legislation that would reign in the power of large railroads; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes will advance the views expressed in this statement to the current Administration and to the House and Senate authorizing committees.

RESOLUTION No. 32

RE: ORGANIZING

WHEREAS, There are millions of workers in the U.S. and Canada who suffer abuses by their employers because they are unrepresented; and

WHEREAS, It is the obligation of all good trade unionists to bring the benefits and protections of unionism to the unrepresented workers; and

WHEREAS, The strength of a labor union, thus its ability to deliver improvements in working conditions and standards of living to its members is directly linked to its size and growth potential; and

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes membership's future is directly linked to the long term viability of their Union; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes direct the Organizing Department to put a plan together in accordance with the current Grand Lodge Constitution and Bylaws that will result in bringing Union benefits to our unrepresented Brothers and Sisters and result in real growth of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President and the Executive Board review and modify said plan and authorize expenditures to meet the goal of bringing the benefits of union representation to the unrepresented and of sustaining real growth of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes.

RESOLUTION No. 33

RE: RAILROAD RETIREMENT PENSION AND MEDICAL BENEFITS

WHEREAS, The physically and mentally strenuous nature of a lifetime of railroad work causes many railroad employees to die shortly after retirement; and

WHEREAS, A significant portion of the Brotherhood's current membership will reach 30 years (360 months) of service prior to reaching 60 years of age; and

WHEREAS, Current Railroad Retirement Board projections indicate the Railroad Retirement system is fully funded and able to meet its obligations in the short term (20 years) barring any large decrease in railroad employment; and

WHEREAS, Current Railroad Retirement Board projections indicate the Railroad Retirement system is fully funded in the long term; and

WHEREAS, The Railroad Retirement Board's Chief Actuary projects that additional funding would be required to fund lowering the retirement age to 55 years of age with 30 years (360 months) of service; and

WHEREAS, The carriers have the financial resources to fund the Railroad Retirement system with the above-referenced lowered retirement qualifications; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes direct the Grand Lodge President to urge all U.S. Representatives and Senators to introduce and/or support federal legislation to base qualification for full Railroad Retirement pension benefits which would permit an employee with 30 years (360 months) of service to retire at age 55; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes direct the Grand Lodge President to negotiate into the next national agreement and similar agreements with individual railroads a provision requiring all railroad employers to pay full medical benefits to any employee with 30 years (360 months) of service who retires before age 65; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President make an annual report to the International Association on the progress of securing this legislation and contract provisions; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes will lead efforts to reach out to Congress and the current Administration and will support other necessary concerted actions taken by rail labor to repel any future assaults on the Railroad Retirement system.

RESOLUTION No. 34

RE: NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION STRIKE FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

RIGHTS AND JUSTICE FOR TRANSPORTATION WORKERS

WHEREAS, The right of American transportation workers to organize unions, bargain collectively and to engage in concerted action is severely restricted, and at times forbidden by the laws of government of the United States and the various judicial and legislative bodies, and that the current imbalance in labor laws which favors organized management needs to be corrected and reversed; and

WHEREAS, This imbalance in labor laws serves to deny workers the right to join unions and further serves to restrict the ability of unions to bargain for our fair share of the tremendous value which we produce; and

WHEREAS, There is a willingness among our elected politicians and judges at all levels of government to function as the servants of organized management and to insure that the laws function in a manner to preserve and enlarge the wealth of our employers at the expense of our jobs, working conditions and standard of living to the extent that if the present laws are not sufficient to protect the money of organized management, these same political servants will pass new legislation or issue new injunctions to insure that strikes are broken and that the transfer of the value produced by our labor is continued without interruption into the accounts of our employers; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That a committee be established to draft legislation that will insure the right of workers to organize and be represented by a union and that this right includes, but is not limited to, card check recognition and the right to submit first contracts to binding arbitration when so requested by the union, the banning of all scabbing and the use of replacement workers, that no worker may be discharged without just cause, repeal of the Taft-Hartley law, criminal sanctions for employers who engage in unfair labor practices and mandatory imprisonment for those individuals who implement such illegal policies, an unrestricted right to strike and other such protections that emerge from our discussions on these topics with our sister organizations; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this strike be maintained despite any order of any agency or department of the government or the judiciary to the contrary until such time as it is resolved with satisfactory legislation; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That in the event that any court and/or executive agency interprets the law in a manner that conflicts with the clear language of the proposed legislation as interpreted by organized labor or Congress in any way amends or repeals the law without the specific approval of organized labor, that the national transportation strike will resume until the conflict is resolved.

RESOLUTION No. 35

RE: ORGAN DONOR COVERAGE

WHEREAS, Organ, tissue and bone marrow donation is an unselfish act, done in the spirit of true union compassion and solidarity; and

WHEREAS, Our members and families should not have to make material sacrifices when they take this action; and

WHEREAS, Our current health benefit coverage does not include payment for medical care for organ, tissue and bone marrow donation; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record and request the Grand Lodge President to take all reasonable steps to make health coverage available to all donors who choose to make organ, tissue and bone marrow donations part of our heath coverage.

RESOLUTION No. 36

RE: SUPPORT FOR RAIL LABOR COALITIONS

WHEREAS, The need for greater numbers of union railroad members to unite for a common cause; and

WHEREAS, It is important to make other unions aware of our struggles and the ever present possibility of government intervention when forced to use self help; and

WHEREAS, It has become increasingly important to support labor-friendly candidates for every office from school boards to the United States Presidency; and

WHEREAS, The number of union railroad members has dramatically decreased over the past two decades and this has created a need for more solidarity, cooperation and coordination between crafts at the local level; and

WHEREAS, The need exists to create and display unity for the good of all working people; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record as supporting and encouraging rail labor coalitions so long as they are formed for the good of all rail labor.

RESOLUTION No. 37

RE: ATTENDANCE OF LODGE MEETINGS

WHEREAS, The grassroots members have a strong desire to have an opportunity to communicate directly with our Grand Lodge; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President, Secretary-Treasurer and Vice Presidents attend as many lodge meetings as their schedules permit.

RESOLUTION No. 38

RE: DISTRIBUTION TO DELEGATES OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

WHEREAS, It may be beneficial for the delegates to review the resolutions the committee did not adopt; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That all future Grand Lodge Convention resolutions submitted to the Resolutions Committee 45 days prior to the convention will be distributed to the delegates with the Committee's recommendation upon registration at the convention.

RESOLUTION No. 39

RE: IMPACT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANS FOR CANADIAN MEMBERS

COVERED UNDER U.S. NATIONAL AGREEMENTS

WHEREAS, Canadian members working in Canada for American carriers are covered by U.S. National Agreements including Health and Welfare plans; and

WHEREAS, Many of these same plan benefits and agreements can not or do not work effectively for the Canadian members, and sometimes to their detriment; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge, in its mandate to negotiate contracts for benefits and agreements, keep in mind the impact and outcome they have on our Canadian members working for American carriers.

RESOLUTION No. 40

RE: FIGHT DISCRIMINATION ON RAILROAD PROPERTIES

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes has an obligation to represent all its members equally; and

WHEREAS, Railroad companies across the United States and Canada have practiced and continue to practice discrimination; and

WHEREAS, Discrimination by the railroads has caused hardship and mental anguish to our members and is designed to divide our members against each other; and

WHEREAS, Several lawsuits against discrimination by the railroads have been filed on behalf of our Brotherhood members; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record to fight discrimination on railroad properties across the United States and Canada with all of the commitment of which we are capable, within the context of financially prudent allocation of resources.

RESOLUTION No. 41

RE: MERGE, AFFILIATE AND/OR FEDERATE WITH ONE OR MORE SIGNATORY UNIONS

WHEREAS, Several rail union and unions representing, among others, railroad workers committed to support the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes during the next round of bargaining; and

WHEREAS, Several rail unions and unions representing, among others, railroad workers committed to making a "blood oath" in writing with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes that none of the signatory unions would conclude agreements with the national railroads until all signatories reached agreement with the national carriers; and

WHEREAS, Those same unions stated they would honor a BMWE strike whether it was legal or illegal; and

WHEREAS, Mergers, affiliations, federations of labor unions could benefit Maintenance of Way employes by increasing the Union's clout in obtaining better contracts, legislative benefits and regulations; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes instruct the Grand Lodge President and the Grand Lodge Officers to make intense efforts to merge, affiliate and/or federate with one or more of the signatory unions, subject to ratification vote of the members.

RESOLUTION No. 42

RE: ROLL OF HONOR MERIT AWARDS

WHEREAS, The BMWE Journal publishes a Roll of Honor indicating merit awards for 20, 35, and 50 years of membership in the Brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, Our Brothers and Sisters take pride in their Union membership; and

WHEREAS, Many of our Brothers and Sisters are starting their railroad carriers at an older age, thus never being able to make 35 or 50 years of membership; and

WHEREAS, The Railroad Retirement qualifications are constantly changing; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record that the Roll of Honor Merit Awards be awarded upon request in 10-year increments as follows: At 10 years, a certificate, and thereafter the appropriate Merit Award.

RESOLUTION No. 43

RE: EDUCATION DAY AT GRAND LODGE CONVENTION

WHEREAS, There has been an education day at the last two Grand Lodge Conventions; and

WHEREAS, The education of Maintenance of Way members and officers is something that we must constantly strive for at every opportunity; and

WHEREAS, The Grand Lodge Convention offers an opportunity for education on issues that are relevant to all Maintenance of Way members and are of common concern; and

WHEREAS, The 1998 education day did not allow delegates to choose the group in which they wished to participate; and

WHEREAS, The topics selected for the 1998 education day may not have been appropriate for the delegates that were placed into that group; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes endorse the Grand Lodge President's use of convention time for education; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes respectfully request that topics for the education day be chosen that are of common concern to workers regardless of their country of citizenship, and failing that, there be specific topics of interest to Canadian members and American members.

RESOLUTION No. 44

RE: DUES DEDUCTIONS

WHEREAS, The carriers have furloughed many members causing the Brotherhood to raise dues locally, nationally, and on the system level to keep our services to our members; and

WHEREAS, Dues and assessments have increased over the years along with donations to the Maintenance of Way Political League; and

WHEREAS, Dues, assessments, and donations all being taken out of one check a month can be a financial strain on some members' personal finances; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record requesting that the Brotherhood attempt to negotiate a system that would allow all dues deductions, assessments, and donations be taken out in equal installments each pay period in a month.

RESOLUTION No. 45

RE: OFFSETS FOR THOSE LACKING MANAGED MEDICAL CARE BENEFITS

WHEREAS, National and local agreements contain offsets in the bargained general wage increases for affected Maintenance of Way employes for the purpose of reducing the carriers' payment for health insurance coverage; and

WHEREAS, Many members are employed by carriers in areas lacking access to the medical plan's Managed Medical Care Program, and thus are deprived the benefits derived thereof; and

WHEREAS, Expansion of the Managed Medical Care Program to cover all concerned members has not been implemented, which continues to deprive members of the benefits in the plan; and

WHEREAS, the lack of availability to the Managed Medical Care Program for some members results in a disparate payment to medical benefits received ratio; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record requesting the Grand Lodge President and all system division and federation general chairmen to negotiate agreements for Brotherhood members residing in areas lacking coverage of the Managed Medical Care Program, to receive all of the general wage increases until such time that the Managed Medical Care Program is expanded to those areas, or such member, covered only by Comprehensive Health Care Benefit, receive medical benefit coverage equal to that which is available under the Managed Medical Care Program.

RESOLUTION No. 46

RE: COMBINING CANADIAN AND U.S. JOURNALS

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood has an office in the United States and Canada both to write, print and mail the official BMWE Journal; and

WHEREAS, The Canadian office writes and prints their version of the BMWE Journal in both English and French; and

WHEREAS, The United States has quite a few members who only read and write in Spanish; and

WHEREAS, The United States version of the BMWE Journal is only published in English; and

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood should be accommodating our Spanish reading and speaking members by providing a BMWE Journal in Spanish; and

WHEREAS, The membership could be better served by having only one Brotherhood office to write, print and mail the official BMWE Journal; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record to request that the Grand Lodge President explore all avenues, consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws, for the feasibility of combining the Canadian and the United States BMWE Journal offices at Grand Lodge headquarters and publishing the BMWE Journal in English, French and Spanish.

RESOLUTION No. 47

RE: ELIMINATION OF CAMP CAR/TRAILER LODGING

WHEREAS, There are railroads which persist in the archaic and repugnant practice of lodging Maintenance of Way employees in camp cars/trailer facilities; and

WHEREAS, The carrier often chooses to locate these lodging facilities in close proximity of live, heavily used main tracks and/or railroad yards and/or highway or street road crossings, thereby greatly inhibiting our members' ability to receive a complete night's rest; and

WHEREAS, These lodging facilities do not provide our members with proper privacy or individual space; and

WHEREAS, These lodging facilities often require our members to stand in line to utilize an insufficient number of shower and washing facilities; and

WHEREAS, These lodging facilities are often not equipped with operating toilets, forcing our members to continually relieve themselves in rented outdoor facilities often in adverse weather conditions; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes who are required to reside in these lodging facilities have often brought to our attention the inequities in being lodged in such a subhuman and obnoxious fashion; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record as requesting the Grand Lodge President, Grand Lodge Officers, and all parties involved in negotiating with any railroad company, which still utilizes camp car/trailer facilities, to actively pursue agreements which would permanently eliminate the use of camp cars/trailers for lodging our members.

RESOLUTION No. 48

RE: LAWS AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING COMPANY-PROVIDED

LODGING FACILITIES

WHEREAS, The Norfolk and Southern Railway Co. persists in the archaic and repugnant practice of lodging Maintenance of Way employees in camp car/trailer facilities; and

WHEREAS, There are currently federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances which can be applied to these type of lodging facilities; and

WHEREAS, These facilities often are located in areas which, because of the high noise levels, greatly affects our members' ability to sleep at night; and

WHEREAS, These facilities are often maintained in an unhealthy, unsanitary and unsafe fashion; and

WHEREAS, The carrier provides meals to our members prepared on site which are reported to be of poor quality, unhealthy, and unappetizing; and

WHEREAS, These facilities normally fail to provide indoor restroom facilities or sufficient sanitation facilities for members required to live in these lodgings; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That we now request that the Grand Lodge President use all resources at his disposal to insure that all laws, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to these types of facilities are closely monitored by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, and all necessary steps are taken to insure enforcement thereof; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President instruct the Director of Government Affairs and all state legislative directors to actively support and work to establish legislation which would serve to relieve the intolerable living conditions members of the Brotherhood are currently subjected to until such time as the practice of housing our members in these types of facilities has been eliminated; and, be it further

RESOLUTION No. 49

RE: ENJOIN THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD TO COLLECT

RAILROAD RETIREMENT TAXES FROM CONTRACTORS

WHEREAS, Maintenance of Way workers and their respective carriers are compelled to pay Railroad Retirement taxes; and

WHEREAS, Contractors performing Maintenance of Way work are not paying Railroad Retirement taxes; and

WHEREAS, The carriers are saving millions of dollars by not contributing to the Railroad Retirement system when they contract out Maintenance of Way work; and

WHEREAS, This unacceptable practice has caused the Railroad Retirement system to be shorted of untold millions of dollars; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes encourage the Grand Lodge President to do whatever is within his power to seek legislation to allow the United States Railroad Retirement Board to require Railroad Retirement taxes from the carriers and contractors when Maintenance of Way work is contracted out.

RESOLUTION No. 50

RE: CONTRACTING OUT

WHEREAS, The unacceptable practice of contracting out has been utilized by many carriers for buildings and rehabilitation projects, which properly should be performed by Maintenance of Way forces, has been one of the most offensive elements in the drastic reduction of our membership; and

WHEREAS, The practice of contracting out has been utilized by many carriers even when they had regular employees available or were in the position to hire additional employees in the Maintenance of Way departments; and

WHEREAS, This unacceptable practice has not only resulted in the decimation of our membership, causing this Brotherhood undue financial strain, but also in the serious deterioration of the railroad right-of-ways, facilities and equipment in both the United States and Canada, because no attention is paid to tracks, bridges, buildings and work equipment until they are almost unable to be used due to the lack of regular Maintenance of Way forces; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes reaffirm our outraged opposition to this practice which deprives our members of work; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That we empower our Grand Lodge President to explore every conceivable method, including negotiated rules, legal means, legislative bans and all other conceivable means to end this unacceptable practice; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes implore the Grand Lodge President, Grand Lodge Officers, systems, federations, local lodges and every member to be diligent in our ongoing struggle fighting contracting out of Maintenance of Way work.

RESOLUTION No. 51

RE: BMWE ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes needs educated members to advance its agenda of protecting and preserving the rights of workers; and

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes is an aggressive leader in rail labor that is steadfast in its beliefs; and

WHEREAS, The leadership of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes understands the need for quality education to promote trade unionism; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes will establish a committee that will award annually one (1) scholarship to a member or their dependent to further their education in the study of labor-related subjects; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the committee will establish the criteria for the awarding of an annual scholarship beginning in 2003; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes approve the funding necessary to award such annual scholarship; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes direct the Grand Lodge Executive Board to approve the funding necessary to develop a scholarship program, awarded annually in November, to a member or dependent to further their education in the study of labor-related subjects in the amount of $ __________ .

RESOLUTION No. 52

RE: BMWE SUPPORT OF LONG-TERM VIABILITY OF AMTRAK

WHEREAS, The future of Amtrak is uncertain and to a great extent many influences within the federal government, railroad and private industry have initiated policy that is detrimental to all of the workers in the many unions represented at Amtrak; and

WHEREAS, The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes is a substantial part of the workforce affected and has worked diligently to oppose any policy that adversely affects its members; and

WHEREAS, The effects of drastic changes in the structure of the company, train routes or congressional mandates pertaining to labor could further devastate Amtrak and its workers, adversely affect other workers in the railroad industry, and jeopardize the stability of the Railroad Retirement system; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes call on the leadership to commit the resources necessary to remain diligent and prevail in the struggle with those whose purpose is to destroy the quality of life and standard of living of the workers on Amtrak.

RESOLUTION No. 53

RE: LABOR PARTY RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Organized management and the rich have the Republican and Democratic parties to represent their interests in the political process and these two parties will not promote and champion the rights of American working people. In the last twenty years these two parties of the bosses have governed over the single greatest transfer of wealth from the working people to the rich in recent history; and

WHEREAS, Working people have responded to this clear need for an independent political party to promote and defend our interests with the founding Convention of the Labor Party in June of 1996 which was attended by more than 1400 delegates from hundreds of unions and other supporters in 45 states and Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, The BMWE was well represented at this historic convention and made substantial contributions to ensure that this founding Convention would be a success; and

WHEREAS, The founding Convention was a good beginning to create a valid political expression for working people, and it is understood by all that this was only a beginning and only through sustained efforts over a long period of time will our hard work begin to bear the results necessary to ensure our political futures; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the BMWE continue our affiliation with the Labor Party and call upon the Grand Lodge to ensure that our Union is adequately represented at the first Constitutional Convention of the Labor Party and successive conventions of the Labor Party; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That this support from the BMWE be shown by using the Journal to frequently report on the activities of the Labor Party, to encourage Grand Lodge Officers, system officers, lodge officers and members to join the Labor Party and to encourage speakers for the Labor Party to address various meetings and functions of the BMWE and that we encourage and promote the Labor Party generally within the trade union movement.

RESOLUTION No. 54

RE: CONGRESS MUST RESTORE TRANSPORTATION CUTS AND REJECT

SHORTSIGHTED POLICY DIRECTION IN BUSH 2003 BUDGET

WHEREAS, President Bush's FY 2003 proposed budget fails to respond to the basic needs of the Nation's transportation needs and fails miserably to provide laid off workers with extended unemployment benefits and serious health care assistance; and

WHEREAS, President Bush and the Republican leadership call for corporate tax giveaways and have allowed for such giveaways in the recent past; and

WHEREAS, President Bush's FY 2003 budget calls for the privatization or franchising of the Nation's air traffic control system, Amtrak and public transportation services; and

WHEREAS, The Transportation Trades Department (TTD) of the AFL-CIO is on record as opposing President Bush's FY 2003 budget; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record to request the Grand Lodge President provide assistance and support to the TTD in its efforts to persuade Congress to reject the shortsighted transportation budget proposal.

RESOLUTION No. 55

RE: SOLIDARITY WITH THE BLE

WHEREAS, The labor movement has always unified around the basic principle that the interests of all working men and women are compatible and not conflicting; and

WHEREAS, The Railway Labor Act recognizes the craft and class system; and

WHEREAS, The United Transportation Union (UTU) has left the AFL-CIO in pursuit of a takeover of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) either through a forced merger, a raid or a series of government-sanctioned winner take all elections; and

WHEREAS, The actions of the United Transportation Union have been declared violative of the AFL-CIO Constitution and Policies; and

WHEREAS, The UTU is attempting to convince the National Mediation Board to rewrite the rail industry's craft and class system in order to frustrate the union representation rights of locomotive engineers and thousands of other railroad employes; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes go on record to request that the Grand Lodge President use whatever means available to him to urge the UTU to withdraw and desist its raiding activities directed at the BLE members and UTU's efforts before the National Mediation Board to force an unwanted representation election among all railroad operating employees; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President urge the National Mediation Board to dismiss any UTU petition seeking to eliminate the class and craft system in the railroad industry; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President aggressively defend the BLE and its members in the event the UTU stays on its present course of raiding the BLE's members on the North America's railroads.

RESOLUTION No. 56

RE: RESOLUTION OF ARTICLE XXII, SECTION 6

WHEREAS, a few of the important objectives of this Brotherhood as prescribed in the preamble of our Constitution and Bylaws are "to exalt the character and increase the ability of its members," and "to use all honorable means to secure the passage of laws beneficial to our membership ...;" and

WHEREAS, There have been resolutions submitted which make personal attacks against fellow Brothers; and

WHEREAS, Article XXI (formerly XXII), Section 6 states, in part, that it shall be the duty of every member to " ... recognize any member in good standing as a Brother and never speak falsely against or vilify the character of a member."; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Resolutions Committee will not entertain and therefore will not distribute any resolution that is in contradiction with the above.

RESOLUTION No. 57

RE: COMMENDING RETIRED VICE PRESIDENT ARMAND PASSARETTI

WHEREAS, Brother Armand Passaretti, in his years as an officer and member of this Brotherhood, who provided innovative direction to the System Federations in Canada and to Grand Lodge; and

WHEREAS, Brother Passaretti, through his commitment and diligent efforts to promote trade unionism, did so by exercising his untiring, unselfish efforts on behalf of all Maintenance of Way members; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing Brother Passaretti's service and contributions to the Brotherhood has been long overdue; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Brother Armand Passaretti for his long dedicated service to the Brotherhood; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge President communicate this acknowledgment to Brother Passaretti at his earliest convenience.

RESOLUTION No. 58

RE: PRESERVE AMTRAK AND SAVE RAIL WORKERS' JOBS

WHEREAS, The tragic events of September 11, 2001 made clear the United States' absolute need and reliance upon safe and convenient rail passenger transportation; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, Congress passed the misguided Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act which required Amtrak to become revenue "self-sufficient" by 2002 even though no rail passenger system in the world is revenue "self-sufficient"; and

WHEREAS, Over the previous five years, Congress and the White House have ensured that Amtrak had just enough money to survive from year to year as Amtrak's rolling stock and infrastructure continued to deteriorate; and

WHEREAS, Congress has failed to address the United States' need for high speed intercity rail passenger transportation in any systematic or meaningful way; and

WHEREAS, Amtrak needs $270 million in emergency funding to continue operations until October 1, 2002 and needs over an additional one billion dollars annually to maintain and improve its existing rail operations; and

WHEREAS, The White House and some members of Congress have decided that contracting out rail workers' jobs on Amtrak is a solution to Amtrak's fiscal crisis; and

WHEREAS, Several proposals in Congress for the separate funding of high speed rail passenger operations do not provide for such operations to be subject to the Railway Labor Act, the Railroad Retirement Act and the Federal Employers' Liability Act and those proposals could lead to the transfer of lines from existing rail carriers to new high speed rail operators in a manner at least as destructive of the interest of rail workers as the infamous "Section 10901 noncarrier" short lining of the 1980's and 1990's; and

WHEREAS, The protection of rail workers' jobs, especially those represented by BMWE is of primary importance; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes encourage the Grand Lodge President to do whatever is within his power to urge the Congress and the White House to ensure adequate long-term funding for Amtrak that guarantees its survival without the contracting out of Amtrak workers' jobs; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes encourage the Grand Lodge President to do whatever is within his power to oppose any high speed rail legislation that does not provide for high speed rail passenger service to be covered by the Railway Labor Act, the Railroad Retirement Act and the Federal Employers' Liability Act; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes encourage the Grand Lodge President to do whatever is within his power to oppose any high speed rail legislation that would permit existing rail carriers to transfer their lines to new high speed rail operators in a way that would adversely affect the work opportunities and employment rights of existing rail workers.

RESOLUTION No. 59

RE: RETIREMENT INSURANCE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The type of work performed by BMWE members is very physical and has led to physical disability and disabling occupational illness; and

WHEREAS, The cost of medical and prescription insurance is so expensive that it is almost unobtainable for our retired or disabled members and their spouses and dependents; Therefore, be it

RESOLUTION No. 60

RE: DIVERSIFICATION

WHEREAS, The BMWE believes that one of its main strengths comes from combining the talents and skills which derives from our great diversity; and

WHEREAS, BMWE wants to guarantee that diversity is celebrated and incorporated within the very fabric of the BMWE; and

WHEREAS, The BMWE believes that discrimination against minority members of the Brotherhood is harmful to minorities and non-minority members of our Union alike; and

WHEREAS, BMWE is aware the various minorities which are part of our Union have suffered discrimination at the hands of the railroads and even by the U.S. Government in the past and into the present; and

WHEREAS, President Fleming created the Diversity Committee as a standing committee during his prior term in office in order to make certain that the BMWE function as a proactive force in fighting and eliminating the discrimination that our minority members suffer from the railroads and sometimes from the government; and

WHEREAS, The Diversity Committee has met several times since the last Convention and participated in educationals, demonstrations against discrimination and also assisted President Fleming in bringing needed changes to how the BMWE operates in order to guarantee all members of the BMWE regardless of race, creed or color are provided with equal opportunity within the BMWE; and

WHEREAS, The Diversity Committee under President Fleming's direction and leadership has worked tirelessly to enact the changes recommended in the Report of the Diversity Committee to the last BMWE Convention and has been successful in bringing many of those changes to the BMWE over the past 4 years; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes and the Diversity Committee of the BMWE congratulate and thank President Fleming for the work he has performed and his encouragement to make the Brotherhood stronger in its diversity over the past 4 years; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes strongly recommend and endorse that the Diversity Committee remain as a standing committee of the Brotherhood and continue, under the Grand Lodge President's direction, to implement the changes recommended in its Report to the 43^rd Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes and continue the battle against discrimination to guarantee all members equal opportunity regardless of race, creed or color; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes rededicate this Union to the battle against discrimination and direct that all steps be taken and resources expended, in accordance with prudent use of our resources as determined by the Grand Lodge President and the Grand Lodge Officers, to end discrimination against minorities that exists in our industry and our society.

RESOLUTION No. 61

RE: BMWE MEMBERS TO VOTE ON NEW MERGER PROPOSAL

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 the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes 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, be it 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; and, be it 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.

RESOLUTION No. 62

RE: ACTIVATION OF ASSISTANT BMWE MINNESOTA STATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR POSITION

WHEREAS, The fact that Congressional and State Legislative elections are held biennially dictates that BMWE State Legislative Directors expend significant time and financial resources assisting and persuading our members to vote in the fall of even numbered years; and

WHEREAS, BMWE State Legislative Directors often cooperate with State AFL-CIO Get-Out-The-(Union)Vote efforts; and

WHEREAS, In 2002 in Minnesota, BMWE's friend and champion in the U.S. Senate, Paul Wellstone, is facing the strongest challenge of his electoral career; and

WHEREAS, In the falls of 1996, 1998 and 2000, Assistant BMWE Minnesota State Legislative Director Mike DeRosa was activated to assist the Minnesota AFL-CIO in its Get-Out-The-Vote efforts directed toward BMWE and other union members, the length of his activation increasing as he gained experience; and

WHEREAS, Both the Minnesota AFL-CIO and the National AFL-CIO political coordinator for Minnesota have both specifically asked for the services of Brother DeRosa by name and have requested his activation as soon as possible; and

WHEREAS, Training for this concerted Get-Out-The-(Union)Vote effort begins July 21, 2002; and

WHEREAS, The Minnesota State Legislative Director timely requested $3,800 drawn from the funds derived from the Year 2001 special assessment on BMWE members in Minnesota of $1.00 per member per month for legislative activity in Minnesota be afforded to the Minnesota State AFL-CIO to pay the salary of the activated Brother DeRosa for Get-Out-The-(Union)Vote efforts during October and November, 2002; and

WHEREAS, To date, no such $3,800 requested to pay Brother DeRosa to help Get-Out-The-Vote of our members for Senator Wellstone has been received by the Minnesota State AFL-CIO; Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the delegates of the 44^th Grand Lodge Convention of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes direct Grand Lodge to forward $3,800 to the Minnesota State AFL-CIO for the purpose of p