Business executives, especially those who reach the top rung becoming president and CEO of Fortune 500 corporate railroads, do not get told what to do all that often.
That is exactly what happened today when the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg and Acting Secretary of the Department of Labor Julie Su dropped a couple of letters on the desks of CN CEO Tracy Robinson and CPKC CEO Keith Creel!
Most railroaders are familiar with that unique pit in your stomach you get when you see that you have registered mail you need to sign for. At the CN and CPKC railroads, the top execs got to experience that special feeling today. The Biden-Harris administration called them out for not giving rail workers the paid sick days they were told to!
The letters, which you can read below, pointed out that Buttigieg, Su, and, by extension, the president, are angry that our men and women have not been given the dignity of having the same paid sick leave protections as 80% of the workers in our country.
Su and Buttigieg discussed the fact that the other four U.S.-based Class I railroads have all begun working with rail labor to provide this sick time. Some of them have paid sick leave in place for every organized craft in their companies. They also looked to cut off the line of excuses they anticipated hearing from the railroads.
“As illness is not bound by any season, including national bargaining cycles, we encourage you to engage in these discussions today. This does not have to wait for national negotiations; your railroad should come to terms immediately with your labor unions.”
The secretaries pointed out that the lack of sick days was not only inconsistent with the rest of our industry and working population but also is not in the best interest of rail safety overall, saying, “ In an industry where workers’ constant attention is required to keep themselves and others safe, not providing workers sick days presents unnecessary risk that your company can fix.”
If the letter hadn’t already succeeded in getting the rail executives’ attention, it probably accomplished that goal by ending with, “As our administration has noted, we are not satisfied with the current trajectory of railroad safety in America and see no reason for the delay in making the rail industry safer.”
The final shot over the bow that let Creel and Robinson know that Buttigieg and Su meant business is that under their signature line, the hits kept coming. That is where SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson, along with the presidents of other rail labor organizations were cc’d. So not only did they know they were in the crosshairs of the U.S. president, but that his administration let the biggest rail union in the country and our brothers and sisters across rail labor in on their communication.
On behalf of our CN and CPKC members, SMART-TD would like to thank Secretary Buttigieg and Acting Secretary Su for their continued support and that of President Biden.
We can’t agree any more with the contents of your letter and appreciate your willingness to press for fair treatment of rail professionals and our safety.
In a significant development for transit workers across the nation, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced its first-ever general directive aimed at addressing the alarming rise in assaults against transit operators. This directive, formally known as General Directive 24-1, requires more than 700 transit agencies to implement measures to enhance the safety of frontline workers.
Acting FTA Administrator Veronica Vanterpool highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “No American should go to work and worry they will not return home safely. That is particularly true for the transit workers who were valuable frontline workers in our nation’s time of need.” She emphasized that the directive is just one step toward improving safety for transit professionals who face increasing risks on the job.
Jared Cassity, Alternate National Legislative Director for the SMART-TD Transit Union, expressed enthusiasm for the new directive. “FTA has just issued a first-ever general directive, and, rightfully, is focused on the number one issue of operator assault. We have actively lobbied for the FTA to gain more enforcement authority — something they have historically lacked. We recognize Administrator Vanterpool for taking the bull by the horns and doing a fantastic job in this vital area.”
SMART-TD, led by our Bus Department and the Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee, has been in ongoing communication with FTA throughout the multi-year process leading to this announcement. The union has expressed gratitude for the unprecedented level of outreach from FTA during this critical initiative.
“The collaborative efforts between SMART-TD and FTA have been invaluable,” SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President Alvy Hughes noted. “We share their vision of stopping the epidemic of transit assault, and we are committed to working alongside the FTA, Administrator Vanterpool, and the Biden-Harris administration to protect our transit professionals.
“This union has given detailed reports of what needs to happen to protect our transit members to FTA. Administrator Vanderpool met with us this summer to discuss how to make this happen. FTA’s Chief Safety Officer, Joe DeLorenzo, came to SMART-TD’s National Training Seminar to work with our BTAPS committee and local officers from our bus and transit locals across the country,” he said. “When they reached out to us, they weren’t explaining to us what ‘their’ plan was. They wanted our first-hand experiences, information, and insight to help them mold ‘our combined’ plan. I’ve never seen this kind of responsiveness from an administration. So far, the results reflect their effort. VP James Sandoval and I are pleased they have decided the time for further studies is over and that they are putting the plan into action to protect our people.”
General Directive 24-1 mandates that transit agencies conduct risk assessments, identify strategies for mitigating risks and ensure the involvement of joint labor-management Safety Committees in these efforts. This proactive approach comes in response to a troubling 120 percent increase in reported assaults against transit workers from 2013 to 2021.
A gunman was taken into custody early today by a SWAT team following a fatal shooting and hijacking of a Los Angeles County Metro Transportation Authority (LACMTA) bus early this morning.
The bus operator used a panic button to alert authorities to the dangerous situation, according to General Chairperson John Ellis of GCA-875, which represents members of six SMART-TD transit union locals with LACMTA employees. “We praise the calm demeanor and heroic actions of the operator,” Ellis said.
Media reports say the bus driver, a SMART-TD Transit Union member, was held at gunpoint by the suspect. Our driver and a passenger were rescued by police after the hourlong incident. Another passenger was fatally wounded. The suspect was taken into police custody.
CNN, citing a deputy L.A. police chief, reported that the driver “was in relatively good spirits,” immediately after the incident.
“This grave incident emphasizes the continuing safety concerns that our members have raised and that we, your general committee, have vehemently expressed to Metro management,” Ellis said. “The protection of our members remains the very top priority of your union.”
It was not known whether the hijacked LACMTA bus was equipped with new barricades called for by SMART-TD and approved by LACMTA board members earlier this year.
A similar LACMTA hijacking occurred in March of this year. SMART-TD called for barricades for drivers.
The SMART-TD Transit Union represents thousands of bus operators and rail workers for LACMTA, which serves 900,000 passengers daily. It is the third-largest transit agency in the U.S.
SMART Transportation Division Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Chairperson Christine Ivey is responding to the situation.
Amtrak employees have ratified a new 7-year agreement. Approved by a 3-1 margin, as negotiated by General Chairpersons Francis Ariola (GO 663) and Rick Pauli (GO 769), the agreement brings increases in pay, training and healthcare to over 2,100 members.
“Our members are a major part of the experience passengers have aboard Amtrak, and they have approved this contract as appropriate for their work,” SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson said. “Congratulations to our membership and GCs Ariola and Pauli in getting a fair contract for our members!”
Negotiations began after examining Amtrak executive bonuses. Pauli was quoted as saying at the time “It’s good to know the company has all that bonus money available. [We] will make sure to keep that in mind when discussing our members’ future wages.” Both chairpersons kept their promises.
The tentative agreement will be in effect from July 1, 2022, through December 1, 2028. It includes a full retroactive pay increase dating back to July 1, 2022. General Chairpersons Ariola and Pauli will provide information to their members about when they will receive their back pay.
Other highlights
A general wage increase;
Full retroactive pay dating back to July 1, 2022. This increase will apply to the short crew payments as well as the general wages.
10 weeks (about 2.5 months) of paid parental leave;
The addition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday;
An increase in training pay;
The addition of pay protection for emergency annulments;
The addition of compensation for deadheads to classes;
All current employees will keep AmPlan I as their healthcare plan;
It drops the 90% of the 75% and 80% when working in the yard;
Improvements to bereavement pay to include 3 working days rather than 3 consecutive days off;
Increases overtime pay for employees who are on 3- and 4-day yard assignments on their relief days;
Increases new hire training per diem to $40;
Increases away-from-home terminal expenses;
Increases conductor certification pay.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – On Sept. 23, 2024, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers, Transportation Division (SMART-TD), the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) jointly endorsed Sherrod Brown for U.S. Senate. The endorsement follows a meeting at ATDA’s Cleveland, Ohio, headquarters between Senator Brown and the presidents of the three Ohio-based national rail unions.
From left, American Train Dispatchers Association Secretary-Treasurer Bill Sikes, SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and ATDA President Ed Dowell.
The following is the joint statement of endorsement from SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson, ATDA President Ed Dowell and BLET National President Eddie Hall:
“In the current political landscape, where workers’ rights and safety regulations often take a back seat to corporate interests, few champions have consistently stood by labor unions and fought for worker protections like Senator Sherrod Brown. His unwavering commitment to rail safety and the dignity of unionized labor stands in stark contrast to his opponent, Bernie Moreno, whose policies and public statements reveal a disregard for the needs of working-class Americans. As the election approaches, Ohioans have a clear choice: a candidate who has tirelessly advocated for labor rights and rail safety, or one whose anti-union positions threaten the very livelihood of Ohio’s workers.
“For decades, Senator Brown has been a tireless advocate for working families, particularly unionized workers in industries like rail, manufacturing, and construction. Throughout his career, he has supported legislation that strengthens collective bargaining rights, ensures fair wages, and protects the benefits that union workers have fought for over generations. His leadership during the 2022 national rail labor dispute was a prime example of his dedication to standing up for workers when they need it most. Brown publicly supported rail workers’ demands for improved pay and benefits, including paid sick leave, and he worked to prevent the disruption of services while maintaining solidarity with the unions.
“In contrast, Bernie Moreno has made it clear that he does not prioritize union workers. A businessman with no background in public service, Moreno has aligned himself with anti-union, pro-corporate interests. He has spoken against labor unions, suggesting that they hinder economic growth, despite overwhelming evidence that unions play a crucial role in improving workers’ wages and working conditions. Unlike Brown, who has a proven track record of fighting for Ohio’s working-class families, Moreno’s business-first approach threatens to erode the hard-earned protections that union workers rely on.
SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson shakes U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s hand at the ATDA office in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 23, 2024.
“In February 2023, the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, shocked the nation and underscored the urgent need for stronger rail safety regulations. Sherrod Brown responded with swift action, co-sponsoring the Railway Safety Act and advocating for reforms that would prevent such disasters in the future. He has pushed for stricter oversight of rail companies, more frequent inspections, and improved safety protocols for hazardous materials transport. Brown’s leadership on rail safety reflects his understanding of the vital role railroads play in both the economy and public safety, as well as his commitment to protecting the communities and workers who depend on safe, reliable rail systems.
“Bernie Moreno, on the other hand, has shown little interest in addressing these pressing safety concerns. While Brown was on the ground in East Palestine, meeting with affected residents and demanding accountability from Norfolk Southern, Moreno has remained largely silent on the issue of rail safety. His lack of concern for worker safety is consistent with his broader opposition to regulations that protect employees. Moreno’s pro-business platform prioritizes deregulation, even in industries like rail where safety should be paramount. Such an approach would only embolden corporations to cut corners on safety, endangering both workers and communities. Moreno’s campaign is built on his success in the business world, but that success has come at the expense of workers’ rights. He has openly opposed labor unions, dismissing them as unnecessary in a modern economy. His vision for Ohio is one where corporate interests dominate, and workers are left with fewer protections, lower wages, and diminished bargaining power. Moreno’s stance on unions isn’t just a political position — it’s a direct attack on the livelihoods of Ohio’s working families. If elected, Moreno would likely support policies that weaken collective bargaining, reduce workers’ benefits, and undermine the very fabric of union solidarity.
“In contrast, Sherrod Brown understands that unions are the backbone of a strong middle class. He knows that when workers have the power to negotiate fair wages and benefits, the entire economy benefits. Brown’s commitment to workers extends beyond speeches and photo opportunities; it is embedded in his legislative record and his personal values. He has consistently fought to protect the rights of union workers, whether by advocating for pro-labor legislation in Washington or by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with union members on picket lines.
“This election presents a stark contrast between two candidates with vastly different visions for Ohio’s future. Sherrod Brown represents a future where workers’ rights are respected, where rail safety is prioritized, and where unions continue to play a vital role in lifting up the middle class. Bernie Moreno, on the other hand, represents a future where corporations have free rein to exploit workers, where safety regulations are rolled back, and where the voices of working families are drowned out by corporate interests.
“For Ohio’s rail workers and union members across the state, the choice is clear. Sherrod Brown has spent his career fighting for them — fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize. Bernie Moreno, by contrast, poses a threat to the very existence of unions and the protections they provide.
“As Ohio faces critical challenges in rail safety and labor rights, the stakes could not be higher. Ohioans need a senator who will stand up for workers, not corporate profits. Sherrod Brown is that senator, and his proven track record of supporting unions and promoting safety makes him the right choice for Ohio’s working families.”
In addition to the statement of endorsement, the three union Presidents made the following additional remarks:
SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson praised Senator Brown’s track record, by adding “Sherrod Brown has been a long-time friend of rail labor, and all of labor for that matter. He has had our backs countless times on so many important issues, including the current Rail Safety Bill. Senator Brown had the safety of the entire state of Ohio’s back and this country’s when he co-sponsored the most important safety legislation in my lifetime. It’s our turn to have his back and support Senator Brown for his re-election. No one fights harder for us than he does and now we’re going to show him how hard rail labor will fight for him from now until November 5th! Thank you, Senator Brown for all you have done to keep us safe. The SMART Transportation Division is so very proud to be supporting you and to be a part of your campaign efforts here today.”
BLET National President Eddie Hall stated, “Anyone who lives within the sound of a train whistle should be concerned about rail safety. This is especially true in Ohio, where we’ve seen major derailments in places like East Palestine, Springfield and elsewhere.
“The railroads talk a good game about safety while running longer trains with fewer workers and cutting corners on maintenance. No one — and I mean no one in government — has done more to protect railroad workers and the communities served by the railroads from dangerous practices than Sherrod Brown. He stands up for workers and working families and takes strong stands to protect the people of Ohio and that’s why the members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen are standing by him.”
Finally, the event’s host, ATDA President Ed Dowell, applauded both Senator Brown and the other union presidents for coming together in a public show of solidarity: “Having Presidents Ferguson and Hall join me for this meeting demonstrates the importance of Sen. Brown’s re-election. The stakes have never been higher. Our neighbors, families, and friends should not fear that another rail tragedy will occur in Ohio. Unlike his rival, Sherrod Brown will not abandon rail safety after the election concludes. Sen. Brown will always fight for us, Ohioans. He’s not beholden to the railroad behemoths, which his rival will cave into. No senator advocates for rail safety more than Sherrod Brown and that’s why ATDA stands with him.”
Earlier in the day, SMART TD PAC released a video supporting Sherrod Brown.
For more information, please email sikes@atda.org.
The SMART Transportation Division is the largest rail union in the United States, comprised of approximately 125,000 active and retired members who work in a variety of different crafts in the transportation industry. These crafts include employees on every Class I railroad, Amtrak, many shortline railroads, bus and mass transit employees and airport personnel. More information is available at www.smart-union.org.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Cleveland is up for re-election in November, and the SMART Transportation Division PAC has sponsored a video showing his bipartisan work on rail safety. Brown has been endorsed by the SMART Transportation Division, the largest rail union in the United States.
Brown is co-sponsor of the Railway Safety Act of 2023, a bipartisan effort to enhance and improve safety in U.S. railway operations.
Contributions to SMART TD PAC are used for both Federal and State political purposes. Donations are completely voluntary and members may give more or less than the indicated PAC contribution club levels. Contributions may be canceled any time by writing to SMART TD PAC or by emailing tdpac@smart-union.org. Neither your employer nor the union will discriminate or retaliate against you based on whether or not you choose to contribute to SMART TD PAC. Federal law prohibits SMART TD PAC from soliciting donations from anyone other than the executive and administrative personnel and members of the organization, and families of these individuals. Any contributions received from any other person will be returned to the donor. Contributions to SMART TD PAC are not tax deductible.
Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.
There are two reasons SMART-TD members across all crafts should be concerned about this pledge.
Musk is an alleged union buster
The mutual admiration between the two men is based, in part, on Musk’s open contempt for organized labor and an established history of employee abuse. Consider this exchange from their infamous August 2024 interview on “a platform formerly known as Twitter before Musk took over and sacked most of the staff.”
The quote may refer to union-busting activities at SpaceX, which follow years of failed attempts to replace his Tesla factory workers with robots – an ongoing project and perhaps a personal obsession for Musk. This brings us to the second worry for workers everywhere.
Musk hates paying for human workers
We need to eat and sleep. Sometimes we think about things that don’t serve Mr. Musk. How could his ascension as a future Trump administration’s Emperor of Efficiency not have a profound impact on transit and rail workers?
His influence would accelerate deregulation, especially in vital agencies with transportation oversight such as the Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Transit Administration while pushing for fast-track adoption of driverless electric buses, trains, and freight vehicles — all conveniently produced by one or more of his companies. Robots don’t cash paychecks, and they don’t need pensions. So much for crew size regulations, and why not say farewell to those Railroad Retirement Board pensions while we’re at it? Musk loves to cut costs and doesn’t mind cutting his workers off in the process because employees cost money. It’s his hallmark.
Disrupting an entire economy causes collapse
What about safety? If the rocket blows up, he’ll build another one. Otherwise, the free market can tend to itself, never you mind how it always plays out when one fox appoints another to oversee the hen house.
The signs are already there from former Musk associates.
Recent attempts by Parallel Systems, a company led by former SpaceX engineers, have tried to gain waivers from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to test autonomous freight cars.
Fast-tracking fully autonomous freight trains fits perfectly into Musk’s pattern, an opportunity we imagine the Class I railroads can’t wait to exploit.
We know what happens when management or a regulator decides to “disrupt” something they don’t understand so they can drive up their profits. They crash and burn, metaphorically and literally.
We, as one of the largest transportation unions in the country, are obliged to learn about these developments and participate in both the upcoming election and the policymaking process. SMART-TD is steadfast in protecting jobs and ensuring everyone’s safety. Our well-being hangs in the balance.
As members of SMART-TD, the largest rail union in the United States, it is disheartening to observe the media coverage surrounding the departure of Alan Shaw, as president and CEO of Norfolk Southern. The Wall Street Journal, CNBC and others focused on the implications for the stock price and the catalyst for his resignation. Glaringly absent, and far more important, is the discussion of how Shaw’s departure will impact Norfolk Southern’s safety improvements, quality of life for their employees, and the railroad’s shaky relationship with the communities affected by the company’s operations.
SMART-TD would like to underline three points for the new administration:
1. The Future of Safety Improvements: Under Shaw’s leadership, Norfolk Southern made notable strides in improving its safety culture. However, there has been no coverage of what will become of these safety initiatives. It is essential for the industry and the public to know whether the development of robust safety protocols and their enforcement will continue or falter under new leadership.
2. Job Security for Rail Workers: Shaw had pledged to refrain from laying off the workforce of NS during economic downturns. Our interests align: This assurance meant stability for many rail workers, and an accelerated return to capacity for NS when business accelerates. A failure to address whether this promise will be upheld is concerning. Rail workers and NS customers deserve to know if those commitments made by Shaw will still be honored.
3. Involvement of Rail Labor Organizations: Shaw committed to involve labor while revitalizing Norfolk Southern’s safety and training programs. This collaborative approach improves working conditions and safety standards. Rail workers have a vested interest in developing safety training, as our lives and limbs are easily lost if safety is neglected. There has been no mention of how this leadership change will affect this commitment to these or to the groundbreaking C3RS pilot program.
Railroad companies with records dating back to the 1800s should realize that safety plus good employee relations equals improved customer service. Providing superior service is how to grow a business. Shaw’s commitments benefited all involved and the company’s rebound indicated this.
George is no stranger to the realities of the industry, or the improvements NS has realized by distancing itself from Precision Scheduled Railroading. It is our hope that we can work together to continue bettering the safety and quality of life for the men and women of Norfolk Southern.
Conductor Nathan Hatton arrived at work on August 9th ready for an ordinary shift. The twice-daily Amtrak run between Pontiac and Battle Creek, Michigan, is usually busy, but calm. Hatton and Dallas Jeffs, his assistant conductor, greeted passengers as they boarded.
One passenger, ticketed for the three-hour trip to Battle Creek, caught Hatton’s attention.
“This passenger was traveling a long distance, and yet he only had one small suitcase. When I greeted him, he was nonresponsive and avoided eye contact.” Hatton explained. The passenger was also wearing camouflage and knee pads.
LESSON 1: KNOW THE PATTERN AND WATCH FOR ANOMALIES
Conductors Nathan Hatton and Dallas Jeffs collaborated to stop a potentially dangerous situation aboard an Amtrak train.
As the local chairperson for LCA-769A, Hatton attended SMART-TD’s 2024 National Training Seminar in July. His training included a session on de-escalation techniques for transit workers. Such training is part of the union’s ongoing effort to confront the rising epidemic of violent assaults involving bus and passenger rail workers across the United States.
“In the training we were taught to watch for things that stuck out to us as not normal. He was checking a lot of the boxes on the list. Things our instructor, John Bostain, told us to be aware of and not to blow off,” Hatton said.
Bostain, an instructor for Command Presence Training, modeled his course on techniques used by the U.S. Marine Corps to anticipate and, if possible, defuse tragic events.
“When anomalies start to pile up, it’s an indication something is potentially wrong,” Bostain taught. “That’s when the transit worker must decide what to do to protect the safety of themselves and their passengers.”
Hatton quietly shared his observations with Jeffs, and they agreed to keep an eye on their unusual passenger.
LESSON 2: WATCH FOR SIGNS OF A PERSON IS IN CRISIS
Early in the journey, the passenger stood from his seat near the front of the car, removed his case, and moved it to an easily accessible luggage rack behind all the other passengers. He returned to his seat for a time, then moved to the cafe car. Hatton observed as the man ordered three shots of gin.
“The single most important technique for dealing with people in crisis is not escalating,” Bostain wrote. It is easy to accidentally make a situation more intense through confrontation, when a tense situation calls for a delicate touch.
While the passenger was occupied in the bar, the conductors decided it was time to see what was in that case. Hatton kept watch while Jeffs opened the case and discovered multiple loaded firearms. Amtrak police were contacted and discreetly boarded the train in Jackson, an hour out from Battle Creek. Jeffs moved the case to a vestibule, out of sight of other passengers, where the officer could discreetly inspect it.
LESSON 3: STAY CALM, CREATE SPACE AND GET BACKUP
With 15 minutes left in the journey, the Amtrak police proceeded cautiously. By this time the passenger seemed intoxicated, and he may have been armed. While they kept watch, Hatton also contacted the Battle Creek Police Department. The man was detained as he stepped off the train.
REMEMBER YOUR TRAINING
While there is no way for Hatton and Jeffs to know the plan or intentions of the man, his behavior was erratic and, improperly handled, had the potential of being catastrophic.
By staying calm and working strategically, brothers Jeffs and Hatton may have saved their own lives, as well as several others.
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our brother and colleague, Austin Raysby.
Brother Raysby, a valued member of SMART-TD Local 528 in Chicago who worked as a conductor for Union Pacific, was tragically killed while on duty Sept. 4.
Brother Raysby joined SMART-TD in 2012. Known throughout the crew room for his infectious positivity and fun-loving nature, he brought a lightness and camaraderie that was cherished by all who worked alongside him. His spirit and enthusiasm made him a true friend to his brothers and sisters at UP.
Members of Local 528 knew Austin as a solid railroader and a genuinely good person who was always willing to lend a helping hand and share a laugh. His presence and energy will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of working with him. As our brothers and sisters in Local 528 know, Austin’s presence made a bad day seem tolerable.
Every crew base has one guy who everyone loves to see in the crew room. Brother Raysby was that guy. When you had a bad round trip, and all you wanted to do was mark off your ticket and go home, if you saw Austin, you couldn’t help but talk to him for a few minutes. And somehow, you left work feeling that everything made sense and was okay.
In addition to his work family in Local 528, Austin is survived by his loving parents, three siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will remember him for his warmth and kindness. During this profoundly difficult time, the entire SMART-TD community extends its condolences and prayers to his family, friends, and his union family in Local 528.
In honor of Brother Raysby, SMART-TD has established a GoFundMe fundraiser to assist his family with his final expenses.
A memorial service to celebrate Austin’s life will be held on Sept. 19 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, Ill.
All who knew him are invited to attend and pay their respects.
