Section 86. Seven or more persons, a majority of whom are residents of the commonwealth, being employees of any railroad, railway or steamboat corporation, organized under the laws of the commonwealth, may form a corporation under chapter one hundred and eighty for the purpose of receiving, managing and applying such property and funds as it may receive by contribution, assessment or otherwise for the improvement and benefit of its members, and for their relief and the relief of their families in case of sickness, injury, inability to labor, or other cases of need.