Category: Amtrak/Commuter
RRB announces cancellation of spring pre-retirement seminars because of COVID-19
John Bragg, labor member of the Railroad Retirement Board, issued the following statement on March 19, 2020: Based on the best information currently available and guidance issued by public health officials, the Office of the Labor Member has canceled all Pre-Retirement Semina [...]
SMART-TD State Legislative Boards directed to cancel meetings, conduct mail elections
SMART Transportation Division (TD) State Legislative Boards that have not yet conducted their quadrennial reorganization meetings are directed to cancel their meetings and conduct elections by mail ballot. Taking these steps will assist in meeting the recommendations of the W [...]
COVID-19: Emotional support services available to all
Watch a primer video about COVID-19 United Behavioral Health/Optum offer a free emotional support help line. The help line is available 24/7 and open to the public for as long as necessary, providing access to specially trained mental health specialists to help people manage [...]
TTD unions release principles for combating the COVID-19 health crisis
The AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department, of which SMART Transportation Division is a member, released the following on March 18, 2020: The people who build, operate and maintain our nation’s transportation systems are struggling, as are most Americans, with the scope and [...]
TD President’s statement regarding COVID-19
MEMORANDUM Officers and Staff SMART Transportation Division Dear Brothers and Sisters: As the COVID-19 continues to impact our country and its day-to-day operations, I have received a number of inquiries concerning travel and day-to-day business for union officers and staff. [...]
Rail unions urge FRA to act regarding spread of coronavirus
CLEVELAND, Ohio (March 6) — SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) jointly petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on March 6 to take action in responding to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 (coronav [...]
TD president’s letter seeks NCCC’s clarification on industry’s approach to coronavirus
The SMART-Transportation Division has reached out to the chairman of the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) seeking answers as to what the rail industry’s response would be to the spread of the COVID-19 respiratory illness, especially when considering the strict a [...]
National Legislative Director Hynes speaks out in Trains Magazine about railroad issues
SMART-TD National Legislative Director Greg Hynes In an interview to appear in the April edition of Trains Magazine, SMART-TD National Legislative Director Greg Hynes was interviewed about key issues and industry trends including Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), two-per [...]