Transportation News

Visit the digital archive of the SMART-TD News (PDFs)

Nevada railroaders: ACT NOW to help pass a railroad safety bill

ACT NOW! Our union is calling on our Nevada members to help support a new rail safety bill by reaching out to your representatives or by contacting Governor Joe Lombardo’s office before April 1. This is our fourth attempt to pass this critical legislation, with Lombardo vetoing the last two bills. Read on to learn what’s in the bill and how you can help change his mind.

Legislative win means more money for disabled rail workers in New Jersey

Many disabled railroaders receive a fixed income from the Railroad Retirement Act. This can place them in a bind when their property value, and the associated taxes, go up over time. Legislation championed by SMART-TD corrects this problem by bringing a “homestead reimbursement" long enjoyed by social security beneficiaries to New Jersey railroaders. Read on to learn how our local legislative team helped make this law a reality.

Catching Flies with Honey: Jessica Martin Builds Solidarity on the Local Level

Jessica Martin (Local 594) knew that she wanted to get involved after becoming a union member. Unsure of where to start, she found herself unexpectedly nominated to be the legislative representative for her local and won the position. Since then, she’s made it a priority to build relationships and get things done for her members. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to learn what a “typical” day looks like for her and hear her words of wisdom for our union family.

Organizers Use Broad Skill Set to Increase Membership

After convening last month, SMART-TD’s organizers are more determined than ever to grow our union. Read on to learn how our ranks have expanded, both internally and externally, and where our organizers have their sights set for the year ahead.

Martha Claugus Marks Three Decades with Alaska Railroad

For nearly 30 years, Martha Claugus has worked for the Alaska Railroad. What started out as a summer job turned into a second family, with the solidarity to see one another through thick and thin. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to find out how things have changed and what we can do to welcome more women into our ranks.

Show Your Union Pride!

American Products, and representative Sherry Schirripa, have managed SMART-TD's merchandise for over 20 years! Read on to see how this partnership makes it easy for our members to get their hands on affordable, high quality, union-made merch.

Thank You for Standing Up Against CSX’s “Zero-to-Zero” Push

In a letter to SMART-TD members, Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director, Jared Cassity expresses his gratitude for their efforts in opposing CSX's push for the Trip Optimizer Air Brake Control (Zero-to-Zero) technology. Read on to see how your voices were key to SMART-TD's formal objection to this attempt to move our industry one step closer to full automation.

Like Mother, Like Daughter: New Jersey Transit is All in the Family for Rashonda Brown & Shakyia Ward  

Rashonda Brown and her daughter, Shakyia Ward, are both conductors for New Jersey Transit. Even though they hold the same job title, they’ve made it a priority to forge their own professional paths. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to find out who persuaded each of them to work for New Jersey Transit and what positive and negative changes they’ve seen during their time as conductors.

Nation Honors Transit Employees

March 18 is National Transit Employee Appreciation Day. Read on to join us in a celebration of the dedication and advocacy of transit workers across the U.S., whose hard work and solidarity keep our communities connected and safe.