IBB RANK-AND-FILE PETITION 

REQUESTING VOLUNTARY ONE-MEMBER, ONE-VOTE SECRET-BALLOT ELECTION OF INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

To: The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers International Executive Council

We, the undersigned members of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (“IBB”), respectfully submit this petition to request that the International Officers voluntarily adopt a one-member, one-vote, secret-ballot election for International Executive Officers, to be implemented in the upcoming IBB International Convention scheduled for July 2026. 

This petition is submitted in good faith, for the purpose of strengthening democratic participation, restoring member confidence, and ensuring compliance with the principles of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (“LMRDA”), 29 U.S.C. §§ 401–531. 

The LMRDA permits the election of International Officers either by delegate vote or by direct secret-ballot vote of the membership, and that the election is conducted in a free, fair, and democratic manner. 29 U.S.C. § 481. 

Congress expressly declared that it is the policy of the United States to promote full and active participation by union members in the governance of their organizations, and to protect members from improper influence, coercion, and especially retaliation. 29 U.S.C. § 401. 

Secret-ballot elections are recognized as the strongest safeguard against intimidation and unequal treatment, and are already used within the IBB for all local lodge officer elections. 

Members are aware that currently serious criminal proceedings involving former International officers have occurred and that additional investigations have been publicly reported on going.
 Without assigning blame or presuming outcomes, members believe these circumstances have materially affected confidence in the integrity of the International election process.
 

Members are particularly concerned that delegate roll-call voting publicly discloses votes, such disclosure may hinder participation or dissent, rank-and-file members lack a direct voice in choosing International leadership.
 Members believe that a voluntary transition to a direct, secret-ballot election would enhance candidate legitimacy, protect all participants, demonstrate institutional commitment to transparency and reform. 

Accordingly, the undersigned respectfully request that the International Executive Council voluntarily adopt a one-member, one-vote, secret-ballot election method for all International Executive Officers elections. Ensure that such election is conducted with ballot secrecy, equal access to voting including electronic technology and neutral administration independent of all incumbent officers. Consider the use of independent oversight consistent with best practices recognized by the Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. 

We urge you to communicate clearly, concisely and promptly with the membership regarding any decision on this request. This petition is submitted without waiver of any rights available to members under federal law.
 Should this request be denied or not acted upon, members reserve the right to pursue all lawful remedies available under the LMRDA.

We certify that this petition is submitted by IBB membership, it does not endorse or oppose any candidate, it is intended solely to promote democratic governance, it is not funded by union or employer resources.