Railroad Union Spent Over $18 Million From 2017 to 2024, Report Says

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division spent more than $18 million between 2017 and 2024, according to a report released by the American Accountability Foundation. The union represents 37,000 railroad maintenance workers. The report stated that BMWED-IBT sent more than $441,098 to left-wing organizations, including the Center for American Progress.

It also sent more than $100,000 to the National Democratic Club across multiple years and donated to the National Teamsters Hispanic Caucus. E. PAC in 2004.

76 million to Democratic Party committees and about $729,846 to Republican committees, the report said. Roughly two-thirds of BMWED-IBT headquarters employees earned six-figure salaries in 2024. The average member earned $61,692 that year.

President Tony D. Cardwell earned $233,492 and Secretary-Treasurer Dale Bogart earned $206,709. Members of BMWED-IBT Local Lodge 1020 pay nearly $100 per month in dues. 33 million at casinos and resorts from 2017 to 2024.

It included a $522,281 payment to Caesars Entertainment in 2023. Cardwell stated the union has operated at a budget surplus since 2022. He said the union focuses on securing policy and protections for members and that no dues dollars go to political lobbying.

Donations come only from the Teamster PAC, which is voluntarily funded. The union has collaborated with Sen. Josh Hawley on the Secure Tracks Act, which would require both human and automated track inspections.

Cardwell said the union has garnered more Republican support on Capitol Hill than in the past and that its relationship with President Donald Trump has been strengthened. Vice President JD Vance supported rail safety legislation while serving in the Senate. Fox News reported the union reposted and applauded Trump and Vance's push for the Railway Safety Act.