Roll-call votes, debate slow Law Committee action

The Law Committee continued its report, returning to its proposed amendment to Article 5.5, which had been held in abeyance the day before. Their revised motion was absent the word “revoke” that had caused much disagreement the day before.

Brother Michael Hancock, Local 29 (Boston) rose to amend the committee’s motion, adding a clause barring the International President from changing any lodge’s jurisdiction. A vote on this amendment led to a roll-call vote.

In debating the amendment, a point of order revealed that passing the amendment would make Article 5.5 disagree with Article 5.3. Subsequently, the roll-call vote failed, and the motion from the Law Committee was passed.

After recessing for lunch, the Law Committee turned to Article 7. At Article 7.3, the Law Committee report called for a significant raise for the International President. Two hours of debate followed.

Many delegates were against giving the IP a raise when many Boilermakers are having trouble negotiating raises because of the recession. Others believe he deserves a raise and needs one to make his salary comparable to the salaries of other general presidents in the Building and Construction Trades Department.

Debate was spirited but cordial. Members opposing the raise took great pains to point out their satisfaction with the work President Jones is doing and their appreciation for his dedication, but stated that they were voting the will of their members.

A roll-call vote on an amendment to lower the amount requested by the Law Committee by more than 10 percent passed by a majority of more than 83 percent.

A voice vote on the enactment of the amended amount passed overwhelmingly.