Brother Ron Sabol (Local 1447) was recently sworn in to serve as a member of the Mercer County Advisory Council on Special Transportation. One of the Council’s main priorities is to look for federal funding to help seniors, students, and those who are disabled better traverse the New Jersey county.
New hires at Local 1706 recently learned what happens when solidarity is put into action. From achieving critical wins at the bargaining table, to seeing what it means to be a part of the SMART-TD union family, this experience is a reminder of the strength that comes from the transformative power of organized labor.
Whether it’s through food and toy drives in Illinois or a bike drive in Tennessee, SMART-TD locals are stepping up to ensure that those who might need a little extra help in their communities are able to experience the joy of the holidays. During this season of giving, they’re showing what it truly means to be a part of the SMART-TD union family.
After spending four decades representing workers, SMART-TD’s General Counsel Kevin Brodar is retiring at the end of the year. From reflecting on why he chose to practice labor law, to the impact he hopes that he had on SMART-TD members, Brodar looks back at a legal career that’s been centered on helping people.
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.
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.
After years of work, SMART-TD's Safety and Legislative Department is celebrating the passage of the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness Act (REEF). With today's vote, our members have succeeded in righting a wrong that imposed an unfair and unintended tax on railroader retirement benefits.
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 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