WASHINTON, D.C. -- The Grand Lodge officers of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) have voted unanimously to pursue merger/affiliation discussions with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Founded in 1887, BMWE represents approximately 40,000 workers who maintain railroad tracks, bridges, buildings and other related facilities throughout the United States and Canada.

The merger talks with BMWE follow closely the pending merger between the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Teamsters. Combining the strength and resources of the three Unions would significantly increase their power to negotiate wages, benefits and working conditions for members working in the rail industry. Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa and BLE President Donald Hahs have made reestablishing unity among rail unions a cornerstone of their efforts.

The BMWE received expressions of interest from several unions regarding the possibility of a merger. After carefully and thoroughly considering the results of exploratory meetings, the Grand Lodge officers voted to pursue discussions with the Teamsters on September 8, 2003.

After two failed merger attempts with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, which the Grand Lodge officers had supported, the officers are now moving in a direction which may or may not represent its members. There had been talks with the United Steelworkers of America, which many members had supported due to their democratic structure and strong influence in Washington, but talks broke off when the USWA asked the Grand Lodge for more a more detailed financial report.

The current BMWE administration, President, Secretary-Treasurer & Canadian Vice President, of the BMWE have been charged by the Department of Labor with improprieties during the last election. The case is pending in federal court and may result in the last election being voided and a new election being held with the current administration being excluded from running.