Category: Leadership Messages
Let FRA know what you think about automating trains
The FRA needs to hear from YOU to STOP Self-Driving Trains! The Federal Railroad Administration has released a request for information (RFI) about autonomous (aka self-driving/zero-person crew) trains. “FRA requests information and comment on the future of automation in [...]
Amtrak, transportation benefit from omnibus spending bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congress passed and President Trump signed into law Friday a bipartisan spending agreement also known as the “omnibus” spending bill that provides a massive boost toward several of our union’s priorities, including transportation infrastructure projects, th [...]
Batory sworn in as FRA administrator; Martinez takes helm of FMCSA
After months of waiting, Ronald L. Batory was sworn in on Feb. 28 as the new administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). “This day could not have happened soon enough,” Batory said in remarks delivered during the ceremony administered by Department [...]
SMART TD announces two-person crew bill has been introduced in U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. (January 31, 2018) – SMART Transportation Division announced today the introduction of the Safe Freight Act (S.2360) by U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-North Dakota), which would require two crew members — one certified locomotive engineer and one certified co [...]How did your member of Congress score in 2017?
By John Risch, National Legislative Director Last year, SMART Transportation Division tracked 10 votes and two bills in the U.S. House of Representatives that directly impacted our members, families and retirees. These votes ranged from federal funding for Amtrak and Essentia [...]
COLORADO MEMBERS: Your testimony is needed to fight Right to Work For Less bill
SMART Transportation Division Colorado State Legislative Director Carl Smith reports that legislators in his state are again considering a Right to Work For Less bill. This is the second time in two years that politicians are attempting to undermine the right to union represe [...]
Tentative agreement reached by SMART TD with Amtrak
SMART Transportation Division General Chairpersons Dirk Sampson (GO 769), Robert Keeley (GO 342) and Fran Ariola (GO 663) announced today that they have reached a tentative agreement with Amtrak on behalf of their members employed by the passenger railroad. The chairpersons c [...]
Make your hotel reservations for 2018 SMART TD regional meetings
Reservations are now open for both the Seattle, Wash., and Hollywood, Fla., regional meetings. Click here to learn how to make hotel reservations for the Seattle meeting. Click here to learn how to make hotel reservations for Hollywood, Fla. SaveSave