Category: Transportation
FRA Permits Self-Driving Freight Test Despite Warnings from SMART-TD
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has approved 22 waivers allowing Genesee and Wyoming Railroad subsidiaries to test autonomous freight rail cars, despite warnings from the SMART-TD union about the safety risks. Read on to see several critical flaws in the tech that make it obvious to us that railroading is better left to real railroaders.
The East Palestine Disaster Turns Two: SMART-TD Demands Action
Two years after the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, laws meant to fix the situation remain stalled in Congress despite strong bipartisan support and urgent safety needs. With railroads prioritizing profits over safety, the call for federal action grows louder as communities and workers continue to suffer. Read on to see what’s being done to push for change.
Riders resist driverless technologies in Chicagoland
While Metra and its workers received high praise from Chicagoans in a recent survey, the opposite is true for the use of automated or driverless technology on various modes of transportation. Read on to learn just how much the public prefers a human to an AI behind the wheel.
Union Pacific’s leasing scheme to cost jobs in Eugene, Oregon
Our members’ good jobs and community well-being are on the line as Union Pacific (UP) prepares to lease its interest in Oregon’s railroad operations to the Central Oregon Pacific Railroad (CORP). Read on to find out how SMART-TD is fighting back against this dangerous, cost-cutting move.
Ready For a Change, Connecticut Southern Railroad Joins SMART-TD
For the second time in two weeks, another Genesse and Wyoming property has voted to join SMART-TD. Read on to learn why the workers of the Connecticut Southern Railroad felt that a change was necessary and what impressed organizers the most about these new members of our union family.
Dining car stewards vote for a better future
Dining Car Stewards represented by SMART-TD unanimously ratified their latest tentative agreement. General Chairperson Rick Pauli of GO-769 announced the successful vote, marking a crucial achievement for Dining Car Stewards across the country. Read on to see what they agreed to.
Railroad discipline increases – DIPP can see you through
The annual slowdown in freight traffic brings a historic increase in discipline cases. The railroads are moving to cut their headcount, while also dodging blame for the poorer service this causes. SMART-TD is here to help challenge these claims and to provide income protection while they move through mediation.
Longtime ally of union workers elected minority leader of Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Material Subcommittee
The SMART Transportation Division (SMART TD) congratulates Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nevada) on her selection to serve as the Ranking Minority Leader of the House Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee.