Brother Mike Garcia of Local 1422 (Los Angeles, California) and his wife, Tamara Ortiz, lost their three beloved children Cole (17), Trent (15), and Sailor (10) in a car accident. In Southern California, Mike is known as a pillar of strength and someone his union brothers and sisters can always depend on. Today, he and his family need that same strength and support returned. Read on for more information about how you can help.
The members of SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) Local 598 taught the Alabama Port Authority a thing or two about collective bargaining. 598 resisted efforts to divide and conquer, to ultimately secure an agreement that ensures major gains in wages, benefits, and crew consist protections. The local overwhelmingly ratified the hard-fought tentative agreement (TA).
SMART-TD mourns the loss of Brother Donald H. Wolff II, a devoted railroad professional and Local 903 Chairperson of the Florida East Coast (FEC) railroad, whose unwavering integrity, leadership, and dedication to his fellow union members left a profound impact across the industry. Remembered as a man of unmatched character, Don’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the causes he supported, and the strength with which he served.
This week, SMART-TD led a record-breaking Railroad Day on the Hill, uniting 13 rail unions for over 130 meetings with lawmakers to advocate for rail safety and workers’ rights. Read on to see why this TD-led event is hailed for its strategic coordination and real-world impact.
Colorado’s SMART-TD members have successfully secured permanent funding for the Colorado Office of Railroad Safety through the passage of State Bill SB25-162, marking a major victory after over two years of union-led organizing and advocacy. Read on to see how this bill spearheaded by State Legislative Director Carl Smith, ensures that rail carriers (not workers) will fund the office, which will collect critical safety data to drive reforms both in Colorado and nationwide.
Gary Railway General Chairperson Brian McWilliams of Local 1383 exemplified grit and dedication by running 65 miles in 24-plus hours to raise over $3,700 for Portage High School’s athletic and music programs. Read on to see how his extraordinary feat highlights the values of perseverance, community support, and unwavering commitment that define the SMART-TD spirit.
As Mother’s Day approaches, we would like to salute the mothers in our ranks. We also want to put this message out a bit early as a reminder/warning to our members who haven’t realized that it's time to get your cards/flowers/act together for the moms in your life!
On April 30, SMART-TD-represented conductors and assistant conductors ratified their tentative agreement (TA) with Boston’s Keolis Commuter Services. Initially presented for a vote in March, this precedent-setting agreement includes retroactive pay, general wage increases (GWI), and additional sick days. Read on to find out what additional items are included in the agreement.
As SMART-TD members in Colorado work to pass a bill funding the state's Office of Rail Safety, several lawmakers are attempting to amend the legislation so that workers would be required to help foot the bill for the very agency that helps keep them safe. Read on to hear the jaw-dropping remarks that were made during the debate.
SMART-TD is proud to lead the 3rd Annual Railroad Day on the Hill, the nation’s premier rail labor advocacy event. This expanded, two-day summit features increased union participation, and a record number of Congressional meetings focused on safety and labor solidarity. Read on to see how RR Day on the Hill promotes critical legislation while uniting rail workers and lawmakers in a growing push for safer rail operations.
