Category: Two-person crews
New CSX conductor improvises to save a life
Brother Juan Carrillo has only been a SMART-TD member for four months, and he’s already saved a man’s life during that time. Read on to hear his memories of what happened, why he credits his military training for ensuring that a horrible accident didn’t quickly turn deadly, and how this situation highlights the importance of two-person crews.Fact Sheet: Support SB 723 – Oregon’s Two-Person Train Crew Legislation
What is SB 723? SB 723 is a proposed Oregon law requiring all freight trains in the state to operate with a minimum crew size of two individuals. This bill seeks to codify a long-standing industry practice to ensure rail safety for workers, communities, and the environment. W [...]
Sharp-eyed conductor saves two lives in winter crossing accident
SMART-TD conductor Brandon LaBombard saved two lives after a chain-reaction of accidents at an icy Michigan grade crossing. Disaster struck mid-train, without any indication in the head end. Eagle-eyed LaBombard witnessed the accident and was able to take heroic action, again proving the value of a two-person freight crew.
Oberman to TD: Vote for your own future
In a letter to SMART-TD members, Marty Oberman, retired chair of the Surface Transportation Board, details the progress and policies at risk in this election. “The protections of rail workers … depends a lot on whether these important offices are filled by a worker-oriented administration. We will need an Administration that will appoint officials who care about rail workers and continue the aggressive oversight [provided] by the current Democratic-led STB and FRA.”
United for two-person crews and our members’ rights on BNSF
A misinformed media outlet suggested that SMART-TD's BNSF general committees are negotiating away the two-person crew in a tentative agreement. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Kansans demand shorter trains
Ordinary people will act to protect their communities if given the chance, as shown by the massive call for new train length laws in Kansas. Their voices are going to be heard thanks to SMART-TD and the railroad union’s presence at the Kansas State Fair.SMART-TD Statement on Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024
SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson and TD’s National Legislative Department proudly endorse Congressman Troy Nehls’ bill known as the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024.
SMART-TD, regulators testify that railroads can’t be trusted to regulate themselves
SMART-TD, speaking for the operating crafts alongside agency chiefs Amit Bose (FRA), Jennifer Homendy (NTSB) and others, discussed the consequences of East Palestine and the dire need for new rail safety legislation in the United States. Bottom line: Railroads are not to be trusted.