BMWED members are gearing up for their convention next week where delegates will vote on a bylaw change to give members the right to vote for union officers.

In order to win the bylaw change, 50% + 1 of the weighted delegate votes must be cast for the one member, one vote proposal. Each delegate carries a number of votes representing the number of members in his lodge.

However, many lodges are not represented. At the last convention, nearly 100 lodges with over 3,000 members were not able to send a delegate. Dozens more had to send their votes with a delegate or union rep from another lodge.

“Thousands of members are locked out of the process either because they are on the road and can’t make the meeting where delegates are elected, or because their lodge can’t afford to send someone. That is exactly why we need this change,” said Deven Mantz, a BNSF worker from Lodge 1326 in North Dakota.

Leaders stress that this change is about opening up the union to more member participation.

“Our officers negotiated great contracts. If we had elections, I would nominate and vote for every single one of them. I believe in one member, one vote because I think every member should have a voice and be able to participate in elections,” Said Matt Weaver, a CSX worker from Lodge 2624 in Ohio.

Opponents of the right-to-vote have highlighted the cost and low participation in the union as reasons to not make the change. Leaders note that according to the American Arbitration Association, elections would only cost about $5 per member–and that participation can only improve by their efforts.

“I’m on the bargaining committee for my Metra contract. A lot of people are upset that only 50% of members voted on the contract. But that’s a lot better than only the lodge chairs getting to vote. Why would we disenfranchise the 50% who want to participate just because there are others who do not?" said Will Lindsay, an executive board member from the United Passenger Rail Federation in Chicago.

The BMWED convention starts Monday, June 22nd in Chicago. Supporters are hopeful that it will pass.

“Thousands of members have signed petitions in support of the right-to-vote. More and more delegates are seeing that it’s the right thing to do. We’re ready to win in Chicago," said Mantz.