Category: Transportation
NTSB Issues Two Rail Safety Alerts
This week, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued two important rail safety alerts regarding securing equipment and shoving movements. Investigators revealed recurring issues that lead to serious injury or death. Read on for details.
Railroader Healthcare Costs Remain Stable While National Averages Soar
While healthcare costs across the nation continue to soar, railroaders covered under the National Freight Rail Agreement will see their 2026 monthly contributions remain virtually unchanged. Read on to see how stable premiums, superior coverage, and decades of smart union negotiations keep SMART-TD members far ahead of national averages in healthcare affordability and protection.
Call to Action in Mass.: Transit Safety Legislation Up for Final Vote
The Massachusetts State Senate is holding an important vote tomorrow (Thursday, November 6, around 11:00 am) to solidify stronger safety protections for transit workers. All available members are asked to attend and show their support. Read on to learn more about the legislation and why this vote is critical.
New Jersey’s “Vote Labor” Push led by SMART-TD’s Ron Sabol
IBEW Local 269’s hall in Trenton, New Jersey, was a hive of activity on Election Day as more than 500 union members, led by SMART-TD's Ron Sabol, worked in shifts to canvass neighborhoods, drive voters to the polls, and make calls to build support for pro-union candidates at every level of government. Read on to learn more about their effort and how you can help build our future.
Better Short-Term Disability Benefits Coming in 2026
Both rail and bus members who are enrolled in SMART-TD's Voluntary Short-Term Disability Plan (VSTD) will keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets in 2026. Read on for details.
2025 Tentative Agreement Reached Between SMART-TD and Union Pacific
SMART-TD has reached a Tentative Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad that mirrors the national pattern agreement while also securing major new protections for members who were wrongfully terminated and expanding key benefits like meal allowances. Read on to see how this agreement ends a decades-long battle over “outside earnings” deductions and delivers long-overdue fairness and financial relief for UP employees.
Stand with Sister Nydia Sandoval on Monday!
After Sister Nydia Sandoval (Local 1785) was brutally attacked on the job on October 19, her assailant is scheduled to make a court appearance Monday morning. SMART-TD is asking our members in the Santa Monica and surrounding areas to attend the hearing in solidarity with our union sister and transit professionals nationwide. Read on to learn how you can show your support.
SMART Transportation Division Members Ratify New Five-Year Agreement with 18.77% Wage Increases and Enhanced Benefits
After nine months of negotiations, SMART-TD voting members have ratified a new, five-year National Agreement that delivers substantial wage gains and benefit improvements with ZERO concessions. This agreement applies to members on BNSF, NS, CN, and several Class II and Class III railroads. Read on for details.