General VP Word: Leaders Must Lead, All Members Must Be Active

One hundred twenty-five years ago, when this organization was founded, the original members came together for the same reason we are here today, justice in the workplace. The difference is that then there was no well-established organization to advocate on their behalf. They [...]

General President Nigro: The Power of Unity

Last month, delegates from both the SMART transportation and sheet metal divisions stood together united as one on the floor of the AFL-CIO convention. SMART’s message to our brothers and sisters in the labor movement was simple. We demanded that organized labor, as a whole, [...]

SMART Transportation President Previsich: Common Interests

Employment for our members in the transportation industry is unique in many respects. Regardless of mode—air, bus or rail—transportation is primarily an industry that operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. Employees often work unscheduled hours and [...]

Cooperation Will Bring Stronger, Brighter Future For All

In September, delegates from both the SMART Transportation and Sheet Metal Divisions stood together united as one on the floor of the AFL-CIO convention. SMART’s message to our brothers and sisters in the labor movement was simple. We demanded that organized labor, as a whole [...]

Cooperation will bring stronger, brighter future for all

By Joe Nigro, SMART General President – Last month, delegates from both the SMART Transportation and Sheet Metal Divisions stood together united as one on the floor of the AFL-CIO convention. SMART’s message to our brothers and sisters in the labor movement was simple. We dem [...]

Americans' appetite for Amtrak service growing

While politicians can’t agree on much, Iowans and the majority of Americans surely agree on one thing: They want more Amtrak service, not less. On the heaviest traveled passenger rail corridor in the nation, the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak keeps breaking ridership records. But [...]

Commonality of interests will lead to safer workplaces

By John Previsich, SMART Transportation Division President –  Employment for our members in the transportation industry is distinguished in many respects. Regardless of mode – air, bus or rail – it is primarily an industry that operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, [...]

Statement from Nigro on government shutdown

SMART General President Joseph Nigro has issued the following statement on the Oct. 1 shutdown of the federal government: “It has become frustrating to see that the U.S. House of Representatives has become so dysfunctional that it can no longer do its job and pass legis [...]

Statement From GP Nigro On Tea Party Shutdown of U.S. Government

It has become frustrating to see that the U.S. House of Representatives has become so dysfunctional that it can no longer do its job and pass legislation to fund basic programs and services that it has already authorized itself to do so. This is why confidence In the U.S. Hou [...]

After a 42-year career, God’s blessings be upon you

By Mike Futhey, SMART Transportation Division President –   After a rewarding career of working a combination of 42 years on the railroad and as a union representative, my wife, April, and I look forward to a productive post retirement in Memphis, Tenn. The career journey beg [...]