Historic short-line agreement proves workers are stronger with SMART-TD at their side

Historic wage increases with no concessions

With an overwhelming vote of support on March 19, the members of SMART-TD Local 1887 proved once again that the power of our collective action is unmatched in securing lasting, meaningful change for rail workers. 

The third-generation agreement ratifies a record-breaking wage increase that puts compensation at the Birmingham Terminal Railway well above any other WATCO property, union or non-union. 

The agreement delivers a remarkable 26% General Wage Increase (GWI) over five years, which compounds to nearly 29% over the life of the contract. 

This redefines what’s possible for short-line rail workers across the industry. 

A wakeup call for nonunion railroaders 

If you work at a short line, know that you don’t have to go it alone. The SMART-TD family is here with the tools, leadership, and track record to help you win. 

This victory isn’t just about one location, SMART-TD is creating a movement. Workers are stronger, safer, and more secure with SMART-TD at their side. If you’re working under non-union conditions, take a hard look at what Local 1887 just accomplished and ask yourself: What could we do with SMART-TD on our side? 

Solidarity and proven SMART-TD strategy win better quality of life 

Lance Hollis, local chair for 1887, told SMART News that “Our members were focused on wage increases, and we made sure we got it!” Hollis added that he and all the members of 1887 were grateful for the leadership they saw from SMART-TD Vice President David Wier, Jr. and General Chair Tom Gholson. “Those guys really made it happen for us. They were right there with us, digging in and doing everything they could to make our lives better through this negotiation.” 

The agreement also guarantees lasting improvements on day-to-day quality of life: 

• Guaranteed 8-hour pay for all basic day assignments, regardless of time on duty 

• Solidified a permanent Utility position in the contract 

• Carrier-required certification pay: When certification-required testing forces a member to miss a shift, the carrier now pays them a make-whole claim so they are not financially penalized for missing that day’s work.  

• Most notably, they made all of this progress without giving a single concession! 

Tom Gholson, general chairperson of GCA-898 told SMART News, “This agreement is a statement. Our members deserve the best, and Hollis and his team at 1887 made sure they got it. Lance did a great job articulating what was important to his members. I’m just glad to have been a part of it and to have given this local the support system they needed to take the big swing they did. Lance and his team were the ones that made sure it landed!” 

Brother Gholson went on to say, “This contract is not just a win, it’s a blueprint for what short-line workers across the country can achieve when they stand together with SMART-TD.” 

Faced with substandard wages and grueling conditions, our brothers and sisters made the bold decision to unionize, and they’ve never looked back. This latest agreement proves, once again, that unionized short-line workers have the power to demand and secure a better future even those under the thumb of large companies like WATCO. 

SMART-TD Vice President David Wier, Jr. played a pivotal role in the negotiation. “David is the cream of the crop,” said Brother Gholson. “His experience with short line properties and calm, calculated approach gave us the edge we needed. His guidance, along with the fire of the local team, delivered a monumental win for our membership.” 

Vice President David Wier, Jr. remarked, “I would like to extend my profound gratitude to General Chairperson Tommy Gholson and Local Chairperson Lance Hollis for their assistance and tenacity at the bargaining table with BHRR.  With their assistance and resolve, we were able to achieve monumental wage increases and other significant improvements to the Agreement on behalf of the Membership at BHRR.” 

A call to action for railroaders everywhere 

The success at Local 1887 should serve as a wake-up call to workers at non-union WATCO, Genesee & Wyoming, Patriot Rail, and all other short-line crew bases: Together, we move forward. Together, we win. 

Interested in organizing your workplace? 
Reach out to the SMART-TD Organizing Department and start building the future you deserve. 

SMART-TD: Stronger Together.