Nathan Hatton learned de-escalation techniques at SMART-TD's 2024 National Training Seminar in July. A month later, he was confronted with a situation which, improperly handled, could have been catastrophic.
Ordinary people will act to protect their communities if given the chance, as shown by the massive call for new train length laws in Kansas. Their voices are going to be heard thanks to SMART-TD and the railroad union’s presence at the Kansas State Fair.
The Canadian National Railroad (CN) sent their crews rolling through communities without access to essential safety documents after a failed software upgrade. SMART-TD Alternate SLD Eric Stanger told SMART News that “The idea that there is not an adequate contingency plan in place for this is mind-blowing.” If you work for CN, fill out the safety condition report for every incident. The form is available on the SMART App and SMART-TD website.
“This new law represents a new day in Arizona. If you put your hands on a SMART-TD member or any transit professional, you’re going to have to face real consequences.”
—SMART-TD Transit Union’s Arizona Safety and Legislative Director Scott Jones
For many Americans, Labor Day signifies the end of another summer, the start of school or just another welcomed day off from work. For those of us involved in organized labor, it means so much more.
BNSF’s managers had a consistently high opinion of how safe the workplace is that they oversee. The more closely an employee works with an actual train, however, the lower their estimation of how safely the organization runs. The FRA report provides a reality check.
FRA nixed an attempt by two Class I carriers and three passenger carriers to be able to shut down critical safety tech for as long as three days. The SMART-TD railroad union’s public comment was a big reason why.
General chairpersons who handle SMART-TD’s Amtrak properties announce that they’ve negotiated improvements in the latest tentative agreement, including substantial wage increases and back pay. The contract will be placed before members for consideration in the very near future.
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.
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 T [...]