Category: Leadership
SMART-TD statement on congressional intervention in the national rail negotiations
The SMART Transportation Division does not support the notion of Congress intervening in our collective bargaining negotiations to prevent a strike. We firmly believe in the workers’ right to fight for their own best interests, as well as the best interests of their families. [...]
2022 Tentative Agreement ratification results and next steps
Dear Brothers and Sisters: As you are undoubtedly aware, voting on the 2022 Tentative Agreement concluded yesterday evening at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. I would like to sincerely thank each and every member who exercised their right to participate in this ratification, regardl [...]
Split decision: Unions for engineers and conductors take different routes in freight rail contract ratification vote
BLET members vote to ratify national rail agreement with the nation’s Class I railroads; operating craft (Train & Engine service) members of SMART-TD have voted to reject it, while TD yardmasters have voted to ratify their national agreement. INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Voting c [...]
SMART-TD, BLET town hall yields facts about tentative agreement
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, November 11 — At a November 9 Town Hall meeting, SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen President Dennis Pierce discussed the tentative National Rail Agreement with dozens of members fro [...]
A message to veterans from President Ferguson
Today and every day, I always take a moment to acknowledge and thank our SMART Transportation Division members who are fellow veterans of the United States military. Our veterans are a source of pride to our organization for what they have contributed and sacrificed for the g [...]Important update for all SMART-TD and BLET members included in national negotiations
2023 payment rates confirmed for H&W plans INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (Nov. 8, 2022) — Late last week, members of the Cooperating Railway Labor Organizations (CRLO) and the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) convened to review and renew the payment rates for the natio [...]
Rule of 2 comment period extended by FRA to Dec. 21
Due to the importance of the issue and the record response, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has extended the comment period for the Noticed of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on a two-person minimum freight crew size rule, the SMART Transportation Division National Legis [...]VSTD premium reset and benefit changes announced
Several changes regarding the SMART Voluntary Short-Term Disability (VSTD) Plan for bus and rail members will take effect Jan. 1, 2023. The temporary reduction of premiums for Plan participants announced Oct. 21, 2020, will expire Dec. 31, 2022. VSTD premiums will be reset to [...]