Local 1887 at Birmingham Terminal Railway ratified a landmark agreement with WATCO, securing a substantial wage increase and other quality-of-life improvements without making any concessions. The SMART-TD negotiated contract sets a new industry benchmark for short-line pay and showcases the power of union solidarity.
After convening last month, SMART-TD’s organizers are more determined than ever to grow our union. Read on to learn how our ranks have expanded, both internally and externally, and where our organizers have their sights set for the year ahead.
For nearly 30 years, Martha Claugus has worked for the Alaska Railroad. What started out as a summer job turned into a second family, with the solidarity to see one another through thick and thin. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to find out how things have changed and what we can do to welcome more women into our ranks.
American Products, and representative Sherry Schirripa, have managed SMART-TD's merchandise for over 20 years! Read on to see how this partnership makes it easy for our members to get their hands on affordable, high quality, union-made merch.
In a letter to SMART-TD members, Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director, Jared Cassity expresses his gratitude for their efforts in opposing CSX's push for the Trip Optimizer Air Brake Control (Zero-to-Zero) technology. Read on to see how your voices were key to SMART-TD's formal objection to this attempt to move our industry one step closer to full automation.
Rashonda Brown and her daughter, Shakyia Ward, are both conductors for New Jersey Transit. Even though they hold the same job title, they’ve made it a priority to forge their own professional paths. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to find out who persuaded each of them to work for New Jersey Transit and what positive and negative changes they’ve seen during their time as conductors.
March 18 is National Transit Employee Appreciation Day. Read on to join us in a celebration of the dedication and advocacy of transit workers across the U.S., whose hard work and solidarity keep our communities connected and safe.
Since they were first held in 2020, SMART-TD’s Regional Training Seminars (RTS) have proven to be highly effective in enhancing the union’s strength. Local officers and union leaders came together in Dallas to enhance their skills, knowledge, and boost member representation. Read on to find out what new content made its debut at this training and what additional topics were featured on the agenda.
Discussions about privatizing Amtrak gain new momentum without a clear understanding of why this plan, which is not a new one, always results in failure. Read on for a roundup of the top reasons that our proud national rail line is better for the country and our members without DOGE intervention.
Growing up, Manda Snide saw the benefits of union membership firsthand. Now, she’s committed to paying it forward through her role as Nebraska’s Alternate Safety & Legislative Director. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to learn what spurred her work on the railroad and why she’s committed to serving as a resource for her members.