Category: Amtrak
SMART TD welcomes new members to Local 202
On April 15, employees of Denver Transit Operators (DTO) voted to join SMART TD Local 202 at Denver. This vote adds 51 engineers to the local, with growth to a possible 75. Local 202 Secretary Jeff Maxfield said, “We are proud to represent the operators at DTO and look forwar [...]
Two-person crew issue has railroads, regulators at odds
The Columbus Dispatch reported that the issue of crew consist has railroads at odds with federal regulators. This comes after the Federal Railroad Administration announced a proposed rule earlier this year requiring two-person crews on trains. Standing with the FRA, and this [...]
OSHA’s safety tips for working in the heat
HEAT ILLNESS CAN BE DEADLY The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn’t enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if you don’t drink enough water and rest in the shade. You can suffer fro [...]
Unemployment and sickness benefits for railroad employees
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, which provides two kinds of benefits for qualified railroaders: unemployment benefits for those who become unemployed but are ready, willing and able to work; and sickness benefits for th [...]
Long-Term Disability open enrollment begins August 1
SMART Transportation Division has partnered with MetLife to bring our Rail and Bus members the most comprehensive and cost-effective Voluntary Long-Term Disability plans. VLTD insurance helps you protect your income if you suddenly have to stop working due to an accident or i [...]
Members make all the difference!
Dear Member: Recently, Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert of Texas – one of the most conservative members of the U.S. House of Representatives – cosponsored our two-person crew legislation, H.R. 1763, the Safe Freight Act. This show of support follows cosponsorship from Co [...]
Two adults, three children dead after collision with Amtrak train
An Amtrak train stuck a minivan Sunday morning near Trinidad, Colo., killing two adults, three children and seriously injuring a fourth child. Southwest Chief Amtrak Train 3 was traveling from Chicago to L.A. with 286 passengers when the accident occurred. None of the Amtrak [...]SMART TD, BLET to FRA: Ban one-person freight train crews
SMART Transportation Division President John Previsich and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) President Dennis Pierce, issued a joint statement, following their submission of their comments to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on train crew size. [...]