Looking ahead

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As I reflect on the recent SMART-TD Convention, I am deeply honored and grateful for the overwhelming support you have shown me and my leadership team. It is clear that the hard work and dedication we’ve put in since 2019 have resonated with those who matter most — the members we proudly serve.

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Being entrusted with the role of SMART-TD president for a second term is one of the greatest honors of my life. Your continued confidence in my leadership fuels our commitment to achieving even greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

The past five years have not been without their challenges, but each obstacle has provided us with valuable lessons. These experiences have not only highlighted our individual resilience but have also reinforced the strength of our collective team. They’ve shown us that when we face difficulties, we do so together, learning and growing from each experience.

In both the bus and rail sectors, we have never shied away from addressing any issue brought to us by our members. Our dedication to fighting for every concern, regardless of public perception or win percentages, is what sets us apart. The power of our united force enables us to represent our members with unwavering resolve.

Some of the defining moments of my first term were our engagement in the fights for two-person freight rail crews, the fight for additional protections for our bus and transit members, and obtaining the dignity of paid sick time for our freight rail members. The landscape of our negotiations might look different now, going into 2025’s national negotiations, but the principles guiding our advocacy remain steadfast. We fight for you, and that commitment does not waver.

As I step into this second term, I am reminded of the immense pride I feel in leading such a remarkable union and working alongside a dedicated staff. Together, we’ve achieved significant milestones, and I am excited about the potential that lies ahead. The next five years will bring their own set of challenges, but I firmly believe that, together, we can transform these challenges into opportunities.

Brothers and sisters, I urge you to remain united and stay the course. There is much more work to be done, and with your continued support, we will tackle each task with the same vigor and determination that has brought us this far.

Thank you for your trust and for standing with us. Here’s to the future and to the continued strength of our union.

In solidarity,

Jeremy R. Ferguson
President, Transportation Division