On Day 2 of the convention, delegates adopted an amendment to Article 5.2 that will allow the International Executive Council (IEC) to reduce the number of International officers through attrition. Currently, the Brotherhood has 11 officers, a higher number than many other trade unions, including some that have more members than the Boilermakers. Supporters of the measure said the reductions would save money, since officer salaries and expenses are a significant portion of the International’s annual expenditures. They also stated that a reduction was appropriate, given the losses in membership over the years.

The amended language grants the IEC authority, upon recommendation by the International president, to eliminate International officer positions once they become vacant. No officer would be forced out of office as a result of the amendment. The authority does not extend to the office of International president.

The amendment also allows the council, upon the IP’s recommendation, to realign territorial sections and the administration of the divisions, and to consolidate or redistribute the duties among other officer positions in conjunction with any office elimination.

An amendment to the amendment by delegate James Petty of Local 647 to exclude the International secretary-treasurer’s office from possible reduction was defeated.