UPDATE (Aug. 23, 2024): The Canadian government acted to intervene in the rail dispute in Canada the evening of Aug. 22. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will update our guidance to members as time passes.
As many of you are aware, a significant situation is unfolding across our northern border. It’s important for all SMART Transportation Division members to understand what this means and how it could impact us.
Solidarity with our Canadian brothers and sisters
SMART-TD stands firmly in solidarity with our Canadian colleagues who are working to negotiate an equitable agreement. We recognize the challenges they are enduring and support their fight for fair working conditions. Our Canadian brothers and sisters are standing firm, and we are committed to supporting their cause.
Current impact and future risks
At this time, major disruptions to American rail traffic have not occurred. However, this situation has the potential to impact our operations significantly if the flow of freight between the U.S. and Canada is interrupted for a long period as the result of a labor dispute. Rail’s busiest season is just around the corner, and any ongoing disruption could lead to delays and logistical challenges for us.
The Aug. 22 lockout
Canadian rail carriers chose to implement a work stoppage while grain is still in the fields and before the holiday rush for commercial goods. This timing is likely aimed at minimizing complications related to the movement of these critical commodities during peak periods. The Canadian government intervened, and rail labor in Canada has announced its intention to strike. The situation is very fluid and can change quickly, as it did hours after the lockout was announced Aug. 22.
What we can do
As members of SMART-TD, it is essential for us to stay informed about the situation and to support our Canadian colleagues. We need to be vigilant and prepared for any potential impacts on our own operations and advocate for a resolution that respects workers’ rights and ensures fair treatment across the industry.
For SMART-TD members who interchange with Canadian railroads at our national border, it is important to remember your rights in this situation. SMART-TD’s office wants all our crews to be fully aware of their rights to abstain from duties that jeopardize their safety. In the event that you encounter a picket line, Section 92 of Article 21B in the SMART Constitution states that “When a strike of any other nationally recognized labor organization is in effect and danger to the safety of our members exists in or about the area affected by the strike, and/or if there exists any substantial present or potential threat of danger to the members en route to or from their work, and/or to the members’ families, it is the policy of SMART to support its members in declining to enter the territory directly affected.”
If you are ordered to perform duties that include crossing a picket line that puts your safety at risk, you must immediately inform management that you are not willing to do so., You should then inform your local chairperson and give them a detailed explanation of the series of events.
In solidarity, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and update you on any developments. Let’s remain united and proactive, ready to address any challenges that may arise from this lockout.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment..
Michael Anderson, 78, a retired California state legislative director and longtime assistant state legislative director from Local 1570 (Roseville, Calif.), passed away Aug. 8, 2024.
Michael Anderson retired after a stint as California state legislative director in 2020.
Brother Anderson, a second-generation railroader, began his rail career as a switchman at Southern Pacific’s Roseville Yard in June 1964 and initially was a member of the Switchmen’s Union of North America (SUNA), which merged into the United Transportation Union in 1969.
Brother Anderson started as a legislative rep for his SUNA local, then for his UTU/SMART-TD Local 1570. He was assistant state legislative director for 27 years beginning in 1991 before serving as SLD for a few months in 2019/2020.
He also served on the TD’s Executive Board from 2008 to the group’s dissolution in 2019 at the Second SMART Transportation Division Convention.
“Mike was always helpful and always had a kind greeting for everybody,” wrote colleague Bruce Holder, who worked with Anderson on safety matters. “In those old SP days, the railroad had an injury report called the 2611. Mike came up with an unsafe condition report he labeled the 2610. His point was that if the railroad didn’t address the 2610 report, a 2611 injury report would soon follow.
“You were one of a kind Michael. And one of the best. We owe you for leading the way for many years.”
The SMART Transportation Division extends its condolences to Brother Anderson’s family, friends and his brothers and sisters at Local 1570.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug. 21, 2024) — SMART Transportation Division negotiators have reached a tentative agreement with CSX that would provide raises and improvements in paid vacation and health care if ratified by members.
The new five-year agreement will be put in front of TD members working in CSX’s Northern Mid-Atlantic District for a vote. SMART-TD’s GO 049 encompasses the former Baltimore & Ohio (B&O), former Conrail and former Pan Am and is led by General Chairperson Rick Lee.
“It’s refreshing to see that we are finally advancing in transparency and fruitful negotiations with CSX to address the issues at hand. Class I rail carriers traditionally stick together, play games with us and basically try to wait us out to uncertainty before offering any beneficial agreement changes that we seek, if they offer anything at all,” GC Lee said. “However, in order to get ahead of the potential situation like we went through in the 2020 rounds of bargaining that led to a PEB in 2022, SMART-TD GO 049 knew it was in the best interest of our members to avoid this potential circus in 2025 and engaged in early discussions prior to the actual contract moratorium deadline to test the waters.
“To that effect, as other discussions on national bargaining items quickly broke down, we were pleased to find that CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs and his team at CSX were willing to step up to the plate and not play games.
“Based on our advanced focus and collaborative efforts in an attempt to not delay pay raises and enhance benefits to those we represent, the tentative agreement (TA) reached with CSX today will not only allow our members to enjoy increases in their paychecks and significant AFHT meal reimbursements, but they will also enjoy distinct improvements to their quality of life with guaranteed vacation for new hires and accelerated vacation accrual for others with more seniority. Additionally, we were able to provide H&W benefit enhancements that our members have been seeking for many years.
“All in all, I’m very proud of the work of my team here at GO 049 has done to secure this agreement. If the TA is ratified, we will be able to avoid the projected multiple years of uncertainty and frustration, which falls into the ‘plus’ column alone.”
SMART-TD will release details about the tentative agreement to members as the choice is considered whether to ratify the tentative agreement. Terms include average wage increases of 3.5% per year over five years. Other details about improvements in paid vacation and health care will be provided in the near future.
GC Lee and his negotiating team for GO 049 was assisted by TD Vice President Jamie Modesitt in the negotiations.
The announcement of the tentative agreement comes months before the current National Railroad Agreement that took effect in late 2022 becomes amendable for the large U.S. rail carriers.
“I want to recognize the labor leaders who have stepped up to serve the best interests of their members and our employees in getting these historic deals done well in advance of their contracts even coming open for negotiation,” said Joe Hinrichs, president and chief executive officer. “CSX and our labor partners understand our employees don’t want to wait several years for their next pay raise. We thank the organizations for working with us to demonstrate that our ONE CSX culture and values aren’t just words, they are our collective path forward to an improved experience for both our employees and customers. We have also reached out to our other labor partners and look forward to promptly reaching agreements for all CSX union employees patterned on these same terms.”
CSX also announced on the same day that it reached tentative agreements with the Transportation Communications Union (TCU), the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC).
###
SMART Transportation Division is the biggest 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. Media contact: news_TD@smart-union.org.
Open enrollment for the SMART-TD Voluntary Group Life (VLIFE) insurance and Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) insurance plans for members ends Aug. 23, 2024.
This will be the last opportunity this year to get coverage.
Here are some available coverage highlights:
VLTD
Protects members’ income if they cannot work due to injury, illness or surgery.
Tax-free benefits — no medical exams/questions required to enroll.
Up to $5,000 of monthly benefits for up to five years.
Benefits start paying after the SMART VSTD stops — 238 days for rail members and 365 days for bus members.
VLIFE
Members can elect up to $250,000 with no medical exams/questions required.
Benefits double in the event of an accidental death.
24-7 on and off the job protection.
This opportunity is currently open only to members who are not participating in the SMART-TD VLTD or VLIFE.
Maryland State Legislative Director Larry Kasecamp turned it up to 11 when he attended the SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas.
The event, held at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas from Aug. 11-16, was the 11th convention Kasecamp has attended.
He’s the TD’s longest-serving state legislative director, having represented our members in the state of Maryland for 34 years. Kasecamp has held every elected position in Local 600 (Cumberland, Md.) since hiring on at B&O in 1977.
2024 showed him something he’d never seen before.
“My first convention was in 1983 at the Fountainebleau — that one was three weeks long,” Kasecamp remembered. His favorite convention was in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1991. He was also there when Fred Hardin defeated Tom DuBose by a slim margin in 1987.
But there was no such drama at the 2024 TD Convention or SMART General Convention.
“In all the conventions I’ve attended. I’ve never seen the delegate body in such full support of the leadership,” Kasecamp said. “It’s unprecedented — I’ve never seen it in my entire time where everyone was elected by acclamation.
“There have been a lot of close elections and a lot of division [in the past]. I think the leadership team we have right now is probably the best we’ve had. At least as far as the support they have.”
One other thing the conventions and regional meetings offer is not just a chance to bond with his union family, but it also gives a chance for his family, including his wife and five children, to vacation together.
“I always put family first and brought them to conventions and regional meetings,” he said. “We made it a family event, so they’d see the importance of labor.”
A former president and one of the world’s richest billionaires sat down for an online chat, broadcast on the billionaire’s X social media platform yesterday. Donald Trump and Elon Musk said exactly what they thought about the people who do their work.
Listen for yourself:
Trump expressed his profound admiration toward Musk, who emulates Trump’s trademark “You’re fired” reality act from “The Apprentice” in real life. The two discussed casually devastating people’s careers and families’ incomes, then laughed about it.
Is Trump with us or against us? Every voter will have to make up their own mind, but as a union fighting every day for better working conditions, we hope America’s workers agree to tell him “You’re still fired” on Nov. 5.
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg had a specific message for SMART when he spoke at our organization’s third General Convention.
“Union jobs change the trajectory of generations.”
Buttigieg received a warm welcome from SMART delegates, and he matched their enthusiasm with an exciting message that the continued success of America is tied directly to empowering our union workforce.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks during the opening day of the SMART General Convention Aug. 12 at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
Brightline West links Las Vegas, Nevada, to Los Angeles, California. It will provide sheet metal work for building and maintaining the tracks, stations, and infrastructure. When operational it will provide jobs for the SMART-TD members who will operate the trains.
Speaking directly to SMART-TD’s bus union members, Buttigieg shared his pride in his labor-friendly accomplishments during his three-plus years at the DOT. His administration worked with SMART and the Federal Transit Administration to finalize a rule forming safety committees on bus properties around the country. Our bus operators will be on these safety committees and our members will control the programs that come out of them.
But he, and even the Biden/Harris administration, could not have carried out these things on their own, Buttigieg shared. He gestured to the delegates on the convention floor: “You drove that! That is what the power of organizing can do!”
From left, SMART-TD National Legislative Director Greg Hynes, SMART General President Michael Coleman, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, TD President Jeremy Ferguson and SMART General Secretary-Treasurer John Daniel pause for a photograph.
The convention was energized to hear his message thanks in person, with welcome recognition of the vital role SMART-TD members play in creating positive change. His remarks garnered a standing ovation.
Union jobs and SMART jobs not only “change the trajectory of generations,” Buttigieg said, but also empower each of us to “shape a future your kids can be proud of.”
SMART is grateful to Secretary Buttigieg for taking part in our national convention and the heart-felt address. His message will not be forgotten!
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 11, 2024) — Jeremy Ferguson of Local 313 (Grand Rapids, Mich.) was reelected Sunday as president of the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers’ Transportation Division (SMART-TD).
His second five-year term as the leader of the United States’ largest railroad and transit union begins Oct. 1, where he will continue to lead the fight for the safety and just treatment of those he represents.
TD President Jeremy Ferguson at the Third TD Convention: “I’m proud of each and every one of [our members], and I’m proud of my team behind me. Thanks to your efforts, we still have two crewmembers on the train.”
Ferguson re-elected after five years of accomplishments
“We’ve been winning, and winning big time,” he said, speaking of SMART-TD’s results during his first term. “I’m proud of each and every one of [our members], and I’m proud of my team behind me. Thanks to your efforts, we still have two crew members on the train.”
“This union is winning on all accounts, across the board, including in arbitration, negotiations and mediation. We are the best union out there and that’s not just my thinking, that is a fact.
“Since the freight carriers went to war against us on day two of my administration, we’ve been on the offense,” he said. “Since the cities, county agencies and transit companies started trying to put things over on our essential operators, we have met them with strength.”
Transit union focused on assault prevention
Under Ferguson’s watch, SMART-TD formed the Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee, which is dedicated to stopping the epidemic of violence transit members face. Created in July 2023, BTAPS has made progress increasing the penalties for assaulting transportation workers. BTAPS is also negotiating to make working conditions for bus and transit workers safer through the installation of protective barriers and other measures.
Railroad union focused on safety and quality of life improvements
Ferguson was among the coalition of rail labor leaders who achieved paid sick time for railroad employees in 2022. Rail labor made considerable progress toward safety improvements during Ferguson’s first term, including the Federal Railroad Administration’s establishment of a two-person freight rail crew regulation.
Negotiations for the next national rail labor contract are scheduled to begin later this year.
TD President Jeremy Ferguson smiles at the Third SMART-TD Convention at Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas on Aug. 11.
Work ethic and integrity are Ferguson’s strengths
Don Zatteau, a delegate of Ferguson’s home local, made the initial nomination for Ferguson’s re-election. The motion received multiple seconds.
“His character and integrity are beyond reproach. His work ethic should be set as an example for this industry,” Zatteau said. “He lives and breathes this union, [it is] his heart and soul.”
Ferguson was challenged for the office by attorney Terry Smith, a member of Local 794 (Wellington, Kan.). Ferguson won re-election with 952 to 45 votes.
No changes among other top union officers
National Legislative Director Gregory Hynes (Local 1081, Phoenix, Ariz.) and Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity of Local 1377 (Russell, Ky.) were also returned to their position in uncontested elections.
All six Transportation Division rail Vice Presidents ran uncontested and were re-elected by acclamation.
They are:
Brent Leonard (Local 202, Denver, Colo.)
Chad Adams (Local 331, Temple, Texas)
Jamie Modesitt (Local 298, Garrett, Ind.)
Joe Lopez (Local 794, Wellington, Kan.)
Gary Crest (Local 807, Tucson, Ariz.)
Dave Wier Jr. (Local 469, Madison, Ill.)
Leonard was also returned to the successor president position by acclamation.
“We’ve defied expectations and proven our resilience,” he said.
Bus incumbents defeat challengers
SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President Alvy Hughes (Local 1596, Charlotte, N.C.) was challenged by Manuel Martinez of Local 1608 (Chatsworth, Calif.). Hughes won the election, 896-104.
SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval (Local 23, Santa Cruz, Calif.) was challenged by Alternate Vice President Richard Finley of Local 1558 (Bergenfield, N.J.). Sandoval retained his seat, 939-58.
Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity addresses the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas on Aug. 11.
Cassity returned by acclamation
Alt. National Legislative Director Jared Cassity was elected by acclamation.
“Our issues are not political – they’re either right or they’re wrong,” Cassity said, addressing the nation’s divided political climate that hinders progress on workers’ issues. “In this room, there are no political adversaries. Our issues are our issues and worth fighting for. Do not let someone else drive a wedge between you!”
Bus Department Alternate Vice President-elect Anthony Petty receives congratulations from SMART-TD Vice President Brent Leonard, right, during the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas on Aug. 11.
Bus Alternate Vice Presidents
Anthony Petty of Local 1594 (Upper Darby, Pa.) was elected to Bus Department Alternate VP — East by acclamation.
“I’m going to hit the ground running,” Petty said. “For the bus membership, we are going to be stronger. I’m proud to be part of this team.”
Incumbent Alt. Vice President — West Markeisha Haynes of Local 1785 (Santa Monica, Calif.) faced a challenge from longtime LACMTA bus operator Pedro “Pete” Lara of Local 1563 (El Monte, Calif.) and won the vote, 861-126.
Rail Alternate Vice Presidents
GCA-270 General Chairperson Edward W. “Chip” Waugh of Local 1258 (Elgin, Ill.), was elected to the ranks of TD international officers as an alternate vice president.
Alt. Vice President Anthony Simon (Local 645, Babylon, N.Y.) announced his retirement from his alternate VP position, creating a vacancy. He is continuing as general chairperson for GO 505 (Long Island Rail Road). GCA-721 General Chairperson Thomas Behsman of Local 64 (Waseca, Minn.), who works for CPKC, and GCA-270 General Chairperson Edward W. “Chip” Waugh of Local 1258 (Elgin, Ill.), who works on Metra, both sought to join the incumbent Transportation Division’s leadership, which included:
Scott Chelette (Local 1337, New Orleans, La.)
Larry Miller Jr. (Local 1841, Klamath, Ore.)
Chris Bartz (Local 1976, St. Paul, Minn.)
Tommy Gholson (Local 573, Danville, Ky.)
Luke Edington (Local 286, North Platte, Neb.)
The final vote tally saw Waugh joining the five incumbents.
Two new faces on SMART-TD Board of Appeals
Three incumbents on the SMART-TD Board of Appeals were returned to the board by acclamation. They are:
LCA-769A Chairperson Cole Czub of Local 898 (Boston, Mass.), a member of the BTAPS Committee, addresses the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas.
Tony McAdams (Local 1092, Teague, Texas) Road Service
Kevin Smith (Local 1813, Colton, Calif.) Yard Service
Tim Flynn Jr. (Local 832, Superior, Wis.) Engine Service
Brenda Moore (Local 1715, Charlotte, N.C.) retired from her role as the Bus Department’s representative on the Board of Appeals, and Rick Pauli did not run for re-election as the Commuter representative, leaving room for two new faces on the board.
Christine Ivey (Local 1785, Santa Monica, Calif.) ran unopposed as Moore’s replacement, and an election was held for two candidates for the Commuter Board of Appeals vacancy.
LCA-769A Chairperson Cole Czub of Local 898 (Boston, Mass.), a member of the BTAPS Committee, faced LCA-769 Chairperson Mike Buckley of Local 838 (Philadelphia, Pa.), and won his election.
Czub and Ivey assume their new roles Oct. 1.
The newly sworn-in officers pose for a group photo at the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., on Aug. 11, 2024.
School bus company First Student in Gardena, California, turned away the delegation from SMART-TD Local 1909, despite previously agreeing to host our union at their employee orientation meeting.
The yard won several new routes from a local competitor, bringing in more than 90 new operators. Unlike other properties, these employees did not automatically become part of our union family. They must choose.
Seven SMART-TD officers, including SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval, were turned away at the door.
But SMART-TD doesn’t step aside.
SMART-TD bus and transit union prepares a warm welcome
The employer decided that it didn’t want to allow space indoors for SMART-TD to meet with new employees, so we met with operators outside.
The employer decided that it didn’t want to allow space indoors for SMART-TD to meet with new employees, so we met with operators outside.
Chairperson and Local President Maria Morales and Secretary Tanisha Anderson set up on the lawn across the street, while VP Sandoval brought reinforcements in the form of fresh doughnuts.
SMART-TD welcomed the new operators, discussed the benefits of representation, the union’s safety initiatives, and how to protect their quality of life. Our crew gathered 19 signed A-cards on the spot.
Morales and Anderson were joined by Sandoval, Bus Department Alternate Vice President Markeisha Haynes, Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee members Sandra Pineda and Pedro “Pete” Lara, and David Liddle, a UTUIA rep and member of SMART-TD Local 1674.
Organizers called an audible and invited interested people to come have a taco lunch with SMART-TD representatives at a nearby restaurant.
As management’s scheduled meeting broke up, SMART-TD relocated the conversation to a local restaurant. At the impromptu reception, another 30 employees met our representatives.
Most of them signed up for union communications via Telegram, a preferred way for bus and transit union members to communicate.
“We talked about upcoming contract negotiations and how solidarity is our greatest strength in getting a solid contract.” VP Sandoval said. “We emphasized that the core of solid organizing is solid communication, Telegram is one of the best tools we have to keep everyone informed, engaged, and ready for anything.”
This is what our union family is all about. We confront challenges together, we don’t back down from management, and we will go to any length to make sure bus and transit workers receive the representation they deserve.
Attendees at the Local 1909 organizing event pose for a photo.
The U.S. Senate has not forgotten its role in holding the big railroads accountable.
Maria Cantwell, the senator who heads the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, confronted Union Pacific boss Beth Whited over an aborted safety review in a letter to the carrier.
Sen. Cantwell has now demanded all communications related to the aborted safety review. Cantwell gave the carrier until Aug. 9 to deliver.
Union Pacific should focus on safety instead of playing games
Cantwell noted in her letter that UP is going in the wrong direction regarding safety with a higher-than-average derailment rate than other Class I railroads.
Everyone at the SMART-TD railroad union, along with Sen. Cantwell, is very interested in hearing what UP has to say about why they felt the need to mislead the FRA, and what Whited and her company are doing to deliver meaningful safety measures.
