Local #823 member killed in on-duty collision

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of SMART-TD member and Union Pacific Conductor Phillip Araujo. As recently reported, he and his engineer, Clay Burt, lost their lives when their train collided with a tractor-trailer in Pecos City, Texas. Brother Ryan Monts of BLET Division 212 has started a GoFundMe account to support the families of Araujo and Brother Burt.

Tragic Collision in Pecos, Texas Claims Two Lives 

A collision between a Union Pacific train and a tractor-trailer in Pecos, Texas, on December 18 resulted in the deaths of two railroad workers. SMART-TD extends condolences to the victims' families and to Local 823 in their time of grieving.

SMART-TD condemns Union Pacific’s lease to Central Oregon Pacific Railroad

SMART-TD responds to UP selling off our members' jobs to a nonunion short line: “Union Pacific’s move in Oregon is just the latest example of how our country is literally getting 'railroaded' by the sharks on Wall Street. The workers on the ground, the businesses, and the communities that rely on these services will pay the price for this callous disregard for safety.” TD President Jeremy Ferguson

Sharp-eyed conductor saves two lives in winter crossing accident 

SMART-TD conductor Brandon LaBombard saved two lives after a chain-reaction of accidents at an icy Michigan grade crossing. Disaster struck mid-train, without any indication in the head end. Eagle-eyed LaBombard witnessed the accident and was able to take heroic action, again proving the value of a two-person freight crew.

SMART-TD AND CSX CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF SUCCESS

The CSX RedBlock program, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in November of 2024. It allows employees to confidentially seek help for substance abuse without fear of company punishment, ensuring the well-being of workers and the safety of the railroad community. The program has successfully supported over 48,000 members and is still going strong! 

SMART-TD, FRA announce federal regulation requiring two-person freight crews

Phone: (216) 228-9400 Fax: (216) 228-0411 Department Email: news_td@smart-union.org “I would like to start off by saying that this decision by President Biden’s administration is historic for SMART-TD members and all rail labor. Today’s ruling codifying the two-person freight [...]

N.Y. special election — a chance to support Tom Suozzi, who supports our members

Tomorrow, February 13, 2024, Long Island, N.Y., will select the newest member of the United States Congress. With 435 seats in the House, it may not seem that this seat is particularly important to the well-being of SMART-TD members. But it is. Rarely in our nation’s history [...]