Dallas Training Empowers Local Leaders

Dallas, Texas — Over the past week, 180 local officers and union leaders gathered to enhance their skills, knowledge, and boost member representation at SMART-TD’s first Regional Training Seminar (RTS) of 2025. 

“There is power in numbers, in knowledge, and power in FACTS. That is why we are all here,” SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson reminded attendees during his opening speech, setting the tone for a productive week of training and development.  

Ferguson’s tenure as president emphasizes the importance of solidarity and education in combating the increasing challenges posed by railroads and transit agencies.  

New Specialized Training 

SMART-TD State Legislative Representatives (SLD) were treated to a new curriculum, taught for the first time in Dallas. Led by Minnesota and Michigan State Safety and Legislative Directors Nick Katich and Don Roach, our SLD’s learned how to properly onboard and mentor new employees, a crucial aspect of ensuring the future success and safety of the railroad workforce. New content also addressed de-escalation training for our passenger rail members.  

Katich and Roach used the Dallas classes to refine the content, with the intent to bring the same education directly to any interested SMART-TD member.  

The course was expanded thanks to a grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) through its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. 

Local Leaders Sharpen Their Skills, Knowledge

Local Chairs could choose to attend a beginners’ or an advanced course on how to represent their members.  

Newly elected Chairs could focus on the foundational principles of union leadership.   

More experienced leaders deepened their understanding of union operations and best practices. Both classes were led by SMART-TD Vice President Jamie Modesitt.  

Secretaries and Treasurers learned how to ensure that locals are up to date on federal and state filings. Led by the Local Support Department from the International office in Cleveland, the course provided the necessary tools and guidance to maintain compliance with legal requirements.  

Under the guidance of President Ferguson’s staff, Local Presidents strengthened their leadership abilities and enhanced their understanding the responsibilities that come with managing a local.  

“We are committed to giving our local leaders the tools they need to defend our members and protect their rights,” Ferguson explained in his speech. “This training ensures our local leaders are better equipped to handle the challenges we face and fight for our members’ best interests.”  

Knowledge is Power, Training gets Results

SMART-TD’s Regional Training Seminars, which began in 2020, have proven a highly effective to enhance the union’s strength. Since their inception, the win rate for discipline and appeals have increased from the mid-20% range to nearly 65%.  

This success underscores the power of education and the importance of equipping local officers with the information they need to succeed.  

SMART-TD is developing informed and capable leaders at every level of the organization. This can only strengthen our ability to organize together, stand up and protect our rights in the face of the ever-evolving challenges presented by our industry.