Category: Transportation
FRA denies railroads’ request to run without watchdog technology
FRA nixed an attempt by two Class I carriers and three passenger carriers to be able to shut down critical safety tech for as long as three days. The SMART-TD railroad union’s public comment was a big reason why.
New round of hazmat trainings announced
The next four rounds of training through the Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program have been announced for October and into 2025.
Amtrak general committees announce tentative agreement
General chairpersons who handle SMART-TD’s Amtrak properties announce that they’ve negotiated improvements in the latest tentative agreement, including substantial wage increases and back pay. The contract will be placed before members for consideration in the very near future.
UPDATED: Solidarity with Canadian rail workers maintained as labor situation evolves
The Canadian government acted to intervene in the rail dispute in Canada the evening of Aug. 22. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will update our guidance to members as time passes.
Retired California SLD/ASLD Michael Anderson passes away
Michael Anderson, 78, a retired California state legislative director and longtime assistant state legislative director from Local 1570 (Roseville, Calif.), passed away Aug. 8, 2024. Brother Anderson, a second-generation railroader, began his rail career as a switchman at Sou [...]
New tentative wage, health care agreement reached by GO 049 with CSX
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug. 21, 2024) — SMART Transportation Division negotiators have reached a tentative agreement with CSX that would provide raises and improvements in paid vacation and health care if ratified by members. The new five-year agreement will be put in front of T [...]
Deadline approaching for VLTD and VLIFE enrollment for rail, bus members
Time's running out for TD bus and rail members to enroll in the TD Voluntary Group Life (VLIFE) insurance and Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) insurance plans. The deadline is Aug. 23, 2024.
Dean of SLDs Kasecamp attends 11th convention, sees unprecedented unity
“My first convention was in 1983 at the Fountainebleau — that one was three weeks long,” SLD Larry Kasecamp remembered. His favorite convention was in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1991. He was also there when Fred Hardin defeated Tom DuBose by a slim margin in 1987. But 2024 showed him something he’d never seen before.