On behalf of myself, the SMART General Executive Council and all your brothers and sisters across this union, I want to wish you a happy Thanksgiving.
Today is a day to gather with loved ones and enjoy precious time with family and friends. As the essential workers who build the HVAC systems, roofs and building envelopes that keep Canadian society moving, we know well just how valuable these precious moments are.
It’s also a day to take stock of the things for which we are grateful. Our union is full of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, with our own belief systems and practices, and we all have unique traditions that we celebrate. But today, no matter what you choose to do, I hope you can remember the things we have in common.
Union members nationwide know that days like today — and the ability to spend them with loved ones — are rights that were fought for, tooth and nail. It was our forebearers’ undying solidarity and resolve that won these and other privileges for today’s Canadians. Each of us should be proud to be part of a collective labour movement that has bettered the lives of working-class people across every province and territory; I hope you all wear the title of trade unionist proudly, today and every day.
Brothers and sisters, it is our solidarity with one another that keeps our union strong. And by working together, we will continue to improve the lives of workers across Canada.
Again, happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday, and please stay safe.
More than 420 SMART sisters and allies from 47 local unions and regional councils descended on New Orleans, Louisiana, from September 27-29 for the 2024 Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference. Joined by approximately 5,000 fellow union sisters and supporters, these trailblazing women put the strength of the labor movement on full display — marching through the streets of New Orleans, spreading the word about good, union jobs and sending a resounding message of unity and solidarity as Election Day 2024 approaches.
“‘Superheroes are men,’ they say,” Acting United States Labor Secretary Julie Su told attendees during Saturday’s plenary session. “Well, standing here in a room full of tradeswomen, I know women can be anything.”
Louise Medina, Annet Del Rosario, Vanessa Carman, Natasha Scott-Lawson
Plenary speakers highlight progress, commit to further growth
Plenary speakers addressed Tradeswomen Build Nations attendees on Saturday and Sunday morning, overviewing the enormous progress tradeswomen have made in North America — exemplified by the extraordinary growth of the TWBN conference itself — and making clear that union sisters have a crucial role to play in continuing to build our two nations.
North America’s Building Trades Unions President Sean McGarvey discussed NABTU’s commitment to bringing more women into the unionized building trades, and the historic role recent legislation has played in helping turbocharge that effort.
“Let the good jobs roll isn’t just a catchy slogan — sisters and allies, we’re in the business of changing lives,” he said. “Each and every one of you is living, breathing proof of [our] tremendous progress.”
Led by union tradeswomen, McGarvey said, the building trades are focusing on recruiting and retaining more women in our unions. That doesn’t only include efforts to reach out to women workers across North America — it means ensuring our sisters have correctly fitting PPE, pumping stations and cleaning facilities on the jobsite, as well as ongoing efforts to expand access to affordable, quality childcare.
“Sisters, we are meeting these challenges head-on,” he declared.
But we cannot talk about the progress the labor movement has made, McGarvey continued, without talking about the historic pro-worker actions of the Biden-Harris administration. The infrastructure investments creating pathways for women in construction like never before. The clean energy jobs creating workforce demands from coast to coast. The investments in registered apprenticeship programs that make it easier for local unions to bring women into the trades. Those crucial policies from the current presidential administration are ones that we need to build on by electing Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, McGarvey said:
“We must make sure our progress isn’t rolled back by a tyrant dictator who doesn’t respect our Constitution or women’s rights.”
Under Biden and Harris, NABTU affiliates collectively doubled their women membership, and the building trades realized the biggest net gain in members since 1952. Now, it’s time to continue our growth.
“Our ability to make progress depends on leaders whose policies prioritize women and unions,” said McGarvey.
Acting Secretary Su has been a historic leader of the U.S. Department of Labor, both as DOL deputy with former Secretary Marty Walsh and as a trailblazing pro-worker administrator herself. For unions in general, Su’s actions — implementing Biden’s executive order requiring project labor agreements on large federal projects, repealing the sham Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs scheme, restoring OSHA capacity and beyond — are making a difference in the lives of SMART members everywhere.
Specific actions to help tradeswomen are, perhaps, even more impactful: for example, making sure gender-based violence, harassment and the like are treated as the workplace hazards that they are.
“Laws only hold if they are enforced,” Su said. “That’s what this DOL is doing.”
The last administration crushed worker organizing, rolled back worker protections and attempted to undermine union apprenticeships. Under this administration, Su told TWBN, the attitude is very different, and it reflects the DOL’s stance towards anti-worker actions of any kind: “Not on our watch.”
“You can be anything that you want to be,” she concluded. “Superheroes are not just in comic books and the movies.”
Finally, in a conference first, President Joe Biden called in live to speak to sisters and allies about the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to union workers — and the continued progress tradeswomen stand to make with a Harris-Walz White House.
“When unions do well, studies show that ALL Americans do well,” Biden said.
From project labor agreements on federal jobs to policies that protect pregnant workers, the president reminded TWBN attendees of the Biden-Harris administration’s historic pro-labor policymaking. And it’s only the beginning, he said — with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the White House, workers stand to build on the foundation laid over the last several years.
“A woman can do anything a man can do,” Biden said. “That includes being president of the United States of America.”
Tradeswomen also heard from Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, chief medical officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; LIUNA General President Brent Booker; BlackRock Managing Director Anne Ackerly; Micron Technology Vice President of Procurement (Indirect and Real Estate) Heather Baldwin; Accelerator for America President/CEO Mary Ellen Wiederwohl; a video address from actress Kery Washington and others.
Local 105 (Los Angeles, Calif.) Organizer Angie Flores introduces the TWBN emcees on Sunday, September 29.
GP Coleman details International maternity leave program during SMART caucus
SMART General President Michael Coleman, General Secretary-Treasurer John Daniel, the SMART Women’s Committee and others joined SMART sisters for the annual SMART TWBN Caucus, where Coleman announced a truly groundbreaking piece of news: SMART’s new International maternity leave benefit, jointly funded by SMACNA.
“I can tell you that we already have our maternity leave program in place, ready to launch,” Coleman said. “We believe this will provide the opportunity to not have people choose between having a career and having children.”
Coleman acknowledged the efforts of General President Emeritus Joseph Sellers, General Secretary-Treasurer Daniel and others in making this possible, specifically highlighting members of the Women’s Committee: “The work you do is incredible. You do it all on behalf of this organization and women in this trade.”
In 2019, the Women’s Committee proposed a resolution to double the union’s female membership by 2024. SMART Director of Special Projects Louise Medina reported that we have achieved that goal for journeyperson workers, doubling and retaining those members.
“We have made great progress in bringing more women into this trade,” Coleman said, vowing to continue that progress rather than stay content with what we’ve achieved.
Women’s Committee Chair Shamaiah Turner
We have the momentum, he continued, pointing out that SMART was the fourth-most represented trade at TWBN 2024. Now, we need to seize that momentum and grow our ranks, including in our apprenticeship programs. The women at TWBN, and in local unions across North America, are our trade’s best advocates, he said.
“When I hear the stories of where you’ve come from and now where you’re at — even though it’s a struggle, those are stories that can help others.”
He went on: “We’re brothers and sisters. We have to take care of each other like brothers and sisters.”
Coleman finished his remarks by touching on the upcoming November 2024 election, telling the sisters and allies in the room what they already know: The stakes in this election are inordinately high. On the one hand, we have a historically anti-worker president, who rolled back investments in OSHA and tried to weaken union apprenticeship programs. On the other hand, we have a pro-worker ticket dedicated to protecting and advancing women’s and workers’ rights.
“Please, if you can, talk to people; give them the facts,” he said.
Coleman ended by fielding questions from attendees during an open mic session, providing attendees with information about women in leadership, his personal story, childcare resources and more.
Earlier in the caucus, Women’s Committee subcommittees reported back to attendees on efforts to increase women in SMART, communicate with sisters in and outside of our union, develop leaders within SMART and more. Sisters and allies heard from Tiffany Boiman, deputy director of the United States Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau, who outlined how the Biden-Harris DOL has rejuvenated the bureau’s work to protect women and provide them with better access to fulfilling careers. Plus, the caucus gave members and allies the chance to network, bond and tell their stories. Countless sisters from across North America shared that TWBN is a life-changing experience that they look forward to every year.
SMART sisters lead breakout sessions
Breakout sessions are an annual highlight of the Tradeswomen Build Nations conference — giving SMART sisters a chance to network, learn and build connections with their fellow tradesworkers. TWBN 2024 was no different in that regard, with SMART members both attending and helping lead a variety of breakouts.
Annet Del Rosario (left)
SMART Director of Special Projects Louise Medina and Local 16 member and International Training Institute (ITI) Recruitment and Retention Specialist Tammy Meyen joined three other sisters on the “Building a SISTERHOOD” breakout, which included a discussion on retention and its importance for bringing women into our trades. Different retention techniques can be used to build mentorship and support systems at the local and International level, and such techniques are crucial for growing union density — whether applied on the jobsite, in the hall or at the training center.
Affordable, accessible childcare is one of the most persistent barriers to the recruitment and retention of women in the trades. That being said, unions at the local and International level are working hard to develop solutions — from new maternity leave programs, like the one announced by General President Coleman during the SMART caucus, to lactation pods on jobsites, recently pioneered by SMART Local 66 in Seattle, to new childcare pilot programs across the country. SMART Northwest Regional Council member Tiffany Caulfield joined the “Childcare: Challenges and Solutions” breakout as a panelist.
Turner (second from right) participated in a union leadership breakout.
Women’s Committee Chair Shamaiah Turner took part in the “Union Leadership Structure and Why It’s Important” panel, an interactive session detailing leadership structures and opportunities at the local union and international level. And SMART Local 206 (San Diego, Calif.) member Annet Del Rosario, who also sits on the SMART International Women’s Committee, sat on the LGBTQ in the Workforce panel, an open workshop that welcomed LGBTQ+ union members and allies for a discussion on LGBTQ+ issues, success stories and how these members strengthen the labor movement. Panelists and attendees spoke frankly about the unconscionable harassment they have faced on jobsites, the importance of having true allies in the union hall, how they overcame obstacles in the trades and much more.
“It doesn’t matter what trade we are — the higher [our numbers] are, the more our voices are heard,” Del Rosario declared. “We need to make a change — otherwise change won’t happen.”
As always, the conference was highlighted by Saturday’s TWBN banner parade, when the resounding echoes of marching feet, union chants and thousands upon thousands of tradeswomen joined the usual jazz soundtrack of New Orleans (including a band that marched alongside our sisters).
SMART-TD General Chairperson John Ellis of GC 875 and his team recently attended the InnoTrans 2024 conference in Berlin, Germany. As the largest transit conference in the world, the show brought together nearly 3,000 exhibitors from 59 countries, showcasing the latest innovations in transportation technology. The SMART-TD was joined by leaders from ATU and AFSCME.
The MTA delegation included Cliff Henke WSP SR. Vice President for Transit and Rail, Conan Cheung Metro COO, Mathew Dake Metro DCOO Vehicle Maintenance and Acquisitions, Jeff Shaffer ATU Local 1277 President, Maria Magallon SMART Chief Executive Manager, Fredrick Hines AFSCME Vice President, James Lindsay ATU International Vice President, Quintin Wormley SMART GO875 Vice General Chairperson and Local Chairperson 1565, Jim Avila AFSCME Executive Board Member, Julio Mejia SMART Secretary GO875 and Local Chairperson 1607, John Ellis SMART GO875 General Chairperson, Hector Guerrero Metro Senior Executive Officer Rail Operations, Jesus Montes Metro SR. EO. Vehicle Acquisition & Engineering
Ellis explains, “the visit was arranged by MTA CEO Stephanie Wiggins to gauge our interests and concerns with emerging transit technologies. We engaged in four days of intensive meetings with vendors and transportation technology experts, while examining the latest weapons detection systems for bus and rail; advanced security enclosures for bus and train Operators; and accident-avoidance systems for use in bus and light rail systems. We listened to vendor proposals and gave our feedback and concerns.
“We felt our visit was critically important to help us understand the role artificial intelligence (Al) and other new technologies will play in future transit systems. Knowing what’s out there will help us to propose engineering and procedural safeguards for our members.
One example of artificial intelligence in action, this system identifies and tracks hazards around transit vehicles and brings them to the attention of the Operator.
“The opportunity allows us to get involved with vendors at the beginning stages of procurement and provide critical input BEFORE vehicle systems are finalized. The opportunity to give early feedback represents a huge step forward in efforts to cooperatively design and implement enhanced safety and security systems for all our members.
Held every two years, InnoTrans 2024 filled the Berlin convention center. The show included 3,000 meters of track, hundreds of new vehicles, and countless experts and technical innovations from around the world.
“We would like to especially thank our ATU counterparts for working closely with us, offering ideas and support toward our common goal of safety and security for all. The cooperative approach shown by MTA marks the beginning of more joint efforts to bring the best technologies to SMART-TD members.”
This effort is part of a union-wide initiative to stop transit violence and ensure the safety of all workers.
Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) introduced bipartisan legislation today that will extend hours of service protection to yardmasters across the nation. The bill, known as the Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act, which SMART-TD endorses, brings yardmaster hours in line with those of other rail employees.
The Federal bill follows our success earlier this year in Minnesota, where a similar SMART-TD championed bill was signed into law by Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate Tim Walz. The role our nation’s yardmasters play is now known at the highest levels of government.
“Yardmasters serve a critical role in our nation’s railroad network,” Congressman Carbajal explains on his website, where he and Congressman Lawler announced the bill. “They oversee the operations of a rail yard and manage the duties of various rail workers. They not only direct the activities of their fellow workers but also [direct] passenger and freight trains when they arrive and depart. But currently, there are no limitations to the number of hours a yardmaster can [be required to] work in a day, week, or month. This is not only dangerous for the well-being of the yardmasters but the safety of workers on the yard and train passengers.” Our support for this bill reinforces our commitment to the safety and well-being of all SMART-TD members.
“Yardmasters are one of the most overlooked crafts in the railroad industry,” said Chris Bartz, SMART-TD alternate vice president and an active yardmaster himself. “They are responsible for all train movements and activity within a rail yard. The Yardmaster coordinates and supervises many work groups, including dispatchers, Maintenance of Way, supervisors, customer service, and the general public.
“Many Yardmasters are responsible for the safe operation of multiple train yards simultaneously. Some positions manage five train yards simultaneously. Railroad Officers expect the Yardmasters to execute their duties with perfection. The workload and demands of the position cause the work environment to be continuously stressful.
“Yardmasters work 8-hour shifts but can be forced to work 16 consecutive hours if no relief is available. They can work 7 days a week, 365 days a year, without a mandated day off.
“It is deplete of reason that the Train Service employees are covered under hours of service laws that mandate rest periods, while the Yardmasters that supervise these employees can work extended hours and weeks on end.
“This legislation is desperately needed to improve the safety of our membership, and also the well-being of those working in all railyards and the general public.
“I am grateful to Representatives Carbajal and Lawler for having the foresight to see the necessity of introducing this critically important legislation.”
We extend our deepest appreciation to Reps. Carbajal and Lawler for their leadership and dedication to our cause. SMART-TD and our Legislative Department will continue to secure additional co-sponsors for this bill, uniting legislators who share our belief that the safety of transportation workers transcends any political affiliation. Together, we will continue to champion the rights and protections that Yardmasters and all rail workers deserve.
While many teenagers were figuring out what classes to take the next school year, Emilee Och was making plans to be a union welder. As a student in the School to Apprenticeship Program, her aspirations were complemented with training while she was still in high school, and she earned apprentice wages throughout the process.
The School to Apprenticeship Program, known also as an apprentice readiness program, or ARP, provides a pathway for high school seniors to get a head start on their careers in the trades. Och was a student at Apollo Career Center when she was introduced to the program by Eugene Frazier, now-retired training coordinator for Local 24 (central Ohio).
Elements of the School to Apprenticeship Program have dated back to the late 1980’s, and high school seniors were added to the program around 2013. The program was officially formulized in the state of Ohio in 2021, said Tony Stephens, training coordinator for Local 24 in Dayton.
As a student in the program, Och became a pre-apprentice at age 16, between her junior and senior year of high school, and she was a first-year apprentice during her senior year.
This summer, Och, 22, graduated from the apprentice program in Dayton, Ohio, and received an award recognizing her as the highest achieving apprentice, the Eugene Frazier II Award — named for the coordinator who introduced her to the program — along with perfect attendance. Och is the first woman to receive this recognition.
The program is the equivalent of high school students taking college classes for dual credit, she said.
“I knew I wanted to go union, for sure, but what I really liked is I could join right then and there and go to school at the same time,” Och added. From her home in Lima, Ohio, it was nearly a 90-minute drive, and she still managed to be the first apprentice since 2016 to achieve perfect attendance. “I was definitely keeping track of that, for sure. It was hard to make sure I was there every week, but I was pretty dedicated to it. I knew it would be worth it in the end, and it would be a good career for me.”
The School to Apprenticeship Program, and ARPs in general, ease high school students into adulthood with a varied schedule. Students attend school for two weeks, then work in the field for two weeks during the day while attending apprenticeship courses at Local 24’s training center in the evenings. The program allows them to retain their high school identities — playing football, participating in band and choir, attending senior trips — while jumpstarting their careers.
“It’s not full time. We have a much better retention with the School to Apprenticeship Program students than with any other program,” Stephens said. “We will retain 80%, if not more, in comparison to the 50% of apprentices we bring in by traditional means. It’s almost as constant as gravity. It’s been true since I was an apprentice.”
Och went from tinkering in the garage with her father as a child to working in the sheet metal shop at Smith-Boughan Mechanical in Lima. Her next goal is to become a foreperson.
“[The program] makes you feel more comfortable, helps you get the basics down so you know what you’re getting into,” she said. “It gives you a sense of responsibility. You have to be to work on time. You have to be prepared. It gives you a sense of commitment. I definitely think it was a good path for me, for sure.”
Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director Jared Cassity issued a stark reminder of the stakes we face as union members.
“Sitting in D.C., I watch how the politics affects this country. Our issues are not political. Our issues are not Republican. They’re not Democratic. They’re either right or they’re wrong.
“In this [union], there are no political adversaries … in this union, our issues are our issues, and they are worth fighting for. There is not a single person in this room that cannot sympathize or empathize or understand that no one deserves to wake up in the morning and wonder, is today going to be the day that I’m verbally assaulted while I’m doing my job?
I“s someone going to lay hands on me, spit on me, piss on me, stab me, shoot me? None of you are going to stand by that. Every single one of you will fight for that.
“No one should deserve to wake up and wonder “is today the day that my carrier is going to fail to provide me a safe workspace? Is today the day that I lose limbs? That I suffer a career or life altering injury? Is today the day that I don’t make it home?
“That’s not Republican. That’s not Democrat. That is union. And all of you should stand united when we talk about these issues. Do not let someone else drive a wedge between you. We move forward together.
“We move forward as a union. We have got to fight, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Cassity’s rallying cry is essential for all SMART-TD members to hear and understand. Our lives and livelihoods require us to rise above partisan politics to protect our collective power.
Cassity delivered his remarks during his acceptance speech at the SMART-TD convention on August 11, 2024.
The SMART Education Department held its new “Right to Work and Member Retention” class in Detroit, Mich., during the week of September 30th. The class focused on the open shop movement, the impact of so-called right to work, strategies for improving membership retention, and the critical role that union leaders play in maintaining local union power.
Twenty-three participants from across our union worked together to problem solve and create action plans for their respective locals. The class also took time to celebrate the repeal of Michigan’s right-to-work law and the role that Michigan Locals 7 (Lansing), 80 and 292 (both Detroit) played in that process.
“Everyone’s hard work will help strengthen our union!” said SMART International Instructor Richard Mangelsdorf.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our union has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting one another in times of crisis. Thanks to your generous contributions, SMART and our general president, Michael Coleman, have established three distribution centers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. These centers provide immediate assistance to our members as they work to recover from the devastating effects of the hurricane.
We can only offer this vital help due to the remarkable donations made by our members. It is your compassion and willingness to stand together that enable us to provide much-needed relief to those hit by this storm.
As we move forward, let us continue to support each other in our recovery efforts. The resilience and generosity displayed by our members is a shining example that it is not rhetoric when we refer to each other as sister and brother. SMART-TD is a family. We can, do, and always will have each other’s back.
October 4:
We would like to express our gratitude to Brian Killough, general chairman of GO-513 and the members he represents for their donation of $12,000 to the relief fund.
October 3:
A special thank you goes out to Ken Laugel from the UTU Insurance Association (UTUIA).
As SMART-TD’s in-house insurance company, UTUIA has consistently prioritized the well-being of our members. President Jeremy Ferguson expressed his gratitude, stating: “Their sizeable donation to the Disaster Relief Fund is consistent with their mission of protecting our members every day. They have helped thousands of our people in the worst moments of their lives with their policies, but stepping up in this moment for our people, whose lives have been turned upside down by this hurricane, goes above and beyond the call of duty. I can’t thank Ken and everyone at the UTUIA enough.”
October 2:
We extend a heartfelt thanks to Tommy Gholson and General Committee 898 for their incredibly generous donation, as well as to State Safety and Legislative Directors Clyde Whitaker from Ohio, Louis Costa of California, Jeff Mitchell of Kentucky, Don Roach of Michigan and Adren Crawford of Tennessee, who have all stepped up in support of our members during this difficult time. Additionally, General Chairpersons Rick Lee of GCA 049, Brian Killough of GCA 513 and Luke Edington of GO 953 have made significant contributions that will aid in our recovery efforts.
Highlighting the spirit of service within our union, we recognize State Safety and Legislative Director Adren Crawford from Tennessee, along with Brother Jason Caldwell and other members of Local 1162 from Erwin, TN. They have gone above and beyond by not only donating funds but also actively securing generators and distributing them to affected members of Local 1162. Their hands-on approach exemplifies the solidarity that defines SMART-TD.
October 4, 2024: The SMART Transportation Division proudly congratulates SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Division (MD) members for their achievement in ratifying collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with three major rail carriers: BNSF, CSXT and Norfolk Southern.
The newly ratified agreements will provide SMART-MD members with healthcare stability and annual wage increases through December 31, 2029. The five-year agreements guarantee an average general wage increase of 3.5% per year and include improvements in paid vacation and health and welfare benefits, maintaining a consistent employee monthly cost-share contribution.
John McCloskey, General Committee 2 directing general chairperson, remarked on the significance of these agreements, stating, “GWIs of 18.8% compounded are almost unheard of in the freight industry, especially on a voluntary basis without concessions. I appreciate BNSF, CSX and NS negotiating with SMART-MD in good faith.”
SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson told SMART News, “This is a milestone that underscores the strength and determination of SMART members in securing fair labor agreements. Congratulations to our brothers and sisters in the Mechanical Division!”
In a strong show of unity, members voted in favor of the CBAs, with results reflecting significant support: 69% for BNSF, 68% for CSXT, and 62% for Norfolk Southern. This outcome highlights the commitment of SMART-MD’s members to engage in the ratification process and ensure their voices are heard.
SMART-MD Director Peter Kennedy expressed gratitude to the members who participated, stating, “Thank you to the members that took the time to educate themselves about their agreement, and that participated in the ratification process. We are glad to have resolved negotiations with these major freight railroads. The remaining rail carriers need to follow the pattern that has been established by BNSF, CSXT and NS.”
SMART General President Michael Coleman also praised the outcome, noting, “The members have passed their verdict on the agreements with BNSF, CSX-T and NS, with more than 60% voting in favor for each carrier. I am grateful for the determination and advocacy of the SMART-MD negotiating team, and I appreciate the leadership at BNSF, CSX-T and NS for resolving the next round of national negotiations without dragging out the bargaining process for years.”
As we celebrate this victory, the SMART Transportation Division reaffirms its dedication to supporting all SMART divisions in their pursuit of equitable labor agreements. These successful ratifications serve as a powerful reminder that together, we can achieve meaningful progress and secure a better future for all rail industry workers.
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department (MD) members employed on BNSF, CSX-T and Norfolk Southern Railway have voted to ratify their respective collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). Members voted in favor of the CBAs by 69% (BNSF), 68% (CSX) and 62% (NS).
With these agreements ratified, SMART-MD members employed by BNSF, CSX-T and NS have secured healthcare stability and annual wage increases through December 31, 2029.
The CBAs on each respective rail carrier are essentially identical, consisting of a five-year term that provides for annual general wage increases (GWI) that average out to 3.5% per year, improvements for paid vacation, as well as improvements to health and welfare benefits without changing the employee monthly cost-share contribution of 15% of the carriers’ monthly payment rate. The CBAs also resulted in the creation of new benefit design for employees that desire to have employee-only coverage under a high deductible health plan at a reduced employee monthly cost-share contribution.
“GWIs of 18.8% compounded are almost unheard of in the freight industry, especially on a voluntary basis without concessions,” said General Committee 2 Directing General Chairperson John McCloskey. “I appreciate BNSF, CSX and NS negotiating with SMART-MD in good faith and allowing us the opportunity to engage with the members throughout the ratification process.”
“Thank you to the members that took the time to educate themselves about their agreement, and that participated in the ratification process. We are glad to have resolved negotiations with these major freight railroads. The remaining rail carriers need to follow the pattern that has been established by BNSF, CSX-T and NS,” added SMART-MD Director Peter Kennedy.
“The members have passed their verdict on the agreements with BNSF, CSX-T and NS, with more than 60% voting in favor for each carrier,” said SMART General President Michael Coleman. “I am grateful for the determination and advocacy of the SMART-MD negotiating team, and I appreciate the leadership at BNSF, CSX-T and NS for resolving the next round of national negotiations without dragging out the bargaining process for years. I am glad these railroads recognized that our members deserve to be compensated fairly with wage increases coming to them in real time, rather than years after the fact.”
