Former Local 1379 Chairperson Michael Ruffner dies

Retired former Local Chairperson Michael C. Ruffner, 72, of Local 1379 at Pittsburgh, died just before midnight on Friday, Feb. 27. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann (Foradori) Ruffner. After graduating from Sts. Cosmas and Damian High School in 1960, Ruffner [...]

Tens Of Thousands Turn Out For Anti-RTW March & Rally

Tens of thousands of union members and supporters turned out for a massive rally in the Wisconsin state capital of Madison on Saturday February 28th.  Among them were hundreds of SMART members and family members who will be effected by the Wisconsin GOP’s attack on orga [...]

Who’s to blame for the exploding oil trains?

A week after a CSX train hauling crude oil derailed and exploded 30 miles southeast of Charleston, W. Va., on Feb. 16, its mangled, charred tank cars were still being hauled from the crash site. Of the 27 cars that derailed, 19 had been engulfed in flames. The wreckage burned [...]

Oil train wrecks increase pressure for tougher rules

Fiery wrecks of trains hauling crude oil have intensified pressure on the Obama administration to approve tougher standards for railroads and tank cars despite industry complaints that it could cost billions and slow freight deliveries. On Feb. 5, the Transportation Departmen [...]

Want a raise? Join a union

Union membership still pays…at least in terms of higher wages. The typical union worker made $970 a week in 2014, compared to $763 for non-union workers, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That 27 percent spread has remained relatively constant at [...]

Oil trains are taking high-stakes risks with lives

Five hundred and ninety one days have passed since a train carrying crude oil derailed and incinerated the town of Lac Megantic in Quebec. In that time, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has still not finalized new safety rules on tank car standards and operational [...]

Massive Rallies Planned Across Wisconsin

Rallies against Right to Work for less and the repeal of the prevailing wage are currently being planned across Wisconsin.  On Monday, February 23rd, a rally is scheduled in Milwaukee at 5pm in Zeidler Park while two more are scheduled for the State Capitol in Madison on Tues [...]