Category: Washington
SMART-TD union announces the passage of the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness Act (REEF)
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.
Union Takes Bold Step To Force Congress To Act On Rail Safety
The Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Congressmen Troy Nehls aims to improve railroad safety by mandating minimum crew sizes, limiting train lengths, and enforcing stricter safety inspections. We need your help to tell your member of congress to get behind this bill.
Railroad and Transit Union officers continue streak as top grassroots lobbyists
Over the past year, SMART-TD has achieved multiple legislative victories. In many instances our union was the sole voice pushing those achievements forward. This dedicated advocacy by our legislative team has led to their recognition among the top grassroots lobbying teams in Washington, DC, for the third year running!
Full slate of SMART-TD endorsements released
These selections were made by SMART Transportation Division state legislative boards and national leadership with careful consideration as to the candidates' track record regarding issues affecting your workplace. In short — who is with us and who is against us.
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.”
RRB operating on temporary funding
Like other federal agencies, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has been operating under a continuing resolution since October 1, 2024, the start of fiscal year (FY) 2025.
Leaders in D.C. to Canadian Class Is: Get to work on sick leave … NOW!
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su express frustration with CN and CPKC railroads' lack of progress on negotiating paid sick leave.
SMART-TD Transit Union welcomes FTA’s historic directive to combat operator assaults
Our multi-year effort to protect our bus and transit membership takes a significant step ahead when FTA announces its first directive to stop operator assaults.