BMWED members vote to merge passenger-rail groups

Members of the Chicago Passenger Federation (CPF) earlier this month voted to merge with the United Passenger Rail Federation (UPRF), both subgroups of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division.

The merger creates a "super system" of passenger-rail maintenance of way members, BMWED officials said in a press release. CPF represents BMWED members working for the Chicago commuter railroad Metra, and UPRF represents BMWED members working for Amtrak.

With the CPF part of UPRF, represented Metra employees will have a dedicated vice chair and executive board member who will join the current UPRF system officers and executive board members, BMWED officials said.

"This merger provides us with additional resources and the support of full-time officers," said UPRF General Chairman Anthony Sessa. "We retain dedicated officers directly elected by Metra members familiar and knowledgeable on Metra issues, but gain the added advantage of working in concert with Amtrak officers with a wealth of knowledge on dealing with government-financed railroads and the machinations of that process."

The merger was approved by BMWED President Tony Cardwell earlier this month following the vote.