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 member elected to lead Kansas worker group

Brother Ty Dragoo, SMART-TD Kansas Legislative Director and Chairman, has been elected to lead Working Kansas Alliance (WKA), which represents more than 500,000 workers throughout the state. Focused on working across party lines to get things done, Brother Dragoo is committed to advocating for issues that affect SMART-TD members and the entire labor movement at the state legislature.

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.

Union Takes Bold Step To Force Congress To Act On Rail Safety

The Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Congressmen Troy Nehls aims to improve railroad safety by mandating minimum crew sizes, limiting train lengths, and enforcing stricter safety inspections. We need your help to tell your member of congress to get behind this bill.