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Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to take a moment to address the tentative agreements on certain properties, including CSXT, NS, and BNSF, which are currently out for ratification or will be shortly, which for most will be in lieu of the traditional “national agreement.” Undoubtedly, this scenario is a bit unusual to those of us who have been around for a decade or more, and it is even more unconventional to us as international officers who are usually engaged in national negotiations every three to five years. We are definitely in some uncharted waters here, because we have never seen a tentative agreement come to fruition before our Section 6 notices were even served, or the existing agreement’s moratorium has opened to require negotiations under the Railway Labor Act (RLA).

In the last round of negotiations, we were met with some of the most-contentious circumstances imaginable, due to all the carriers being hell bent on achieving crew consist changes to remove conductors from our through freight trains. Throughout that round of bargaining, not a single rail labor union was able to gain any meaningful traction, as the carriers made it very clear they were not negotiating with anyone until SMART-TD conceded to eliminating a significant portion of the conductor craft. Of course, we never agreed and instead made our case to Presidential Emergency Board 250, which reaffirmed that all crew consist issues were to be handled at the “local level” (i.e., the General Committee of Adjustment level). PEB 250 also gave us the largest pay increase in modern history, along with some very complex work rule changes to include rest days, and the reinstatement of the 15 percent monthly health & welfare contribution requirement.

With the above in mind, and given some of the inquiries we have received at both the national and general committee levels, I am publishing this informational notice for members who may still be curious about certain aspects of these tentative agreements. We hope you will find the following questions and answers helpful and informative.

“Why didn’t we get more than 17.5% general wage increase? It’s not as much as 22%!”

First and foremost, the proposed general wage increases work out to be within $2.00 per day compared to what we received under PEB 250. You heard that correctly, less than $2.00 per day difference. Even though 17.5% is objectively less than 22%, we are compounding upon a higher dollar value today than we were under PEB 250. By July 1, 2029, the base foreman rate of pay will increase by $61.40 per day and the base conductor rate of pay will increase by $55.28 per day. Under the record 22% of PEB 250, our foremen experienced a $63.36 per day increase, and our conductors experienced a $56.53 per day increase. I would also like to add that this proposal is the largest general wage increase negotiated voluntarily without third party intervention, without healthcare cost increases, and without work rule changes!

What are we giving up?

NOTHING! There are no work rule changes or healthcare cost increases included in this proposal.

What about our crew consist agreement(s) that mandate conductors on all trains?

Since there are no work rule changes affecting crew consist, these agreements (if ratified) will secure another five-year period where no changes can even be proposed under Section 6 of the RLA. This is huge! Yes, we have obtained a two-person crew regulation from the Federal Railroad Administration, but we are still very concerned about the possibility of future anti-labor and anti-regulation focused administrations undermining our progress. We are equally concerned with what the Supreme Court has done with their recent Chevron decision, which could also compromise our regulation. Ratifying these agreements now will protect and guarantee the future of our conductors, while providing another 5 years for us to focus on passing a rail safety bill through Congress, which would make two-person crews the literal law of the land.

What else is in this for me?

If you have fewer than 25 years of service, you will be getting your next week(s) of vacation entitlement two years sooner. You will see much needed and commonly requested increases to your dental, orthodontic, and vision benefits, and voluntary male sterilization (vasectomies) will be covered by your medical insurance. Additionally, if you are single, you will have the option to choose a health & welfare plan with a lower monthly contribution requirement of 10%, compared to the 15% we are all currently paying. This voluntary option is worth approximately $100 per month for those who qualify and decide to opt in. For those who opt completely out of coverage, the payment made to you will double, from $100 to $200 per month.   

Why are General Chairmen signatory to this agreement and not the SMART-TD International officers?

Leading up to this tentative agreement, there were some informal discussions at the “national” level between some of the involved rail labor unions and the National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC), which is the umbrella organization that represents approximately 40 railroads who are party to national bargaining.

Disappointingly, but not surprisingly, those discussions were not productive. However, one particular railroad CEO, Joe Hinrichs from CSX, took the bull by the horns and said he would make a deal for most of what had been discussed but rejected by the NCCC. As a result, these agreements now have to be done “on the property” at the individual General Committee level. Interestingly, NS and BNSF management also agreed to the same deals shortly after the CSX. Why? It’s a proposal that should bring labor peace instead of the high-profile confrontations all their shareholders witnessed just a few years ago. Simple as that. No hidden agendas, no waiting for 2+ years, no backpay hanging in the balance, and no nonsense.

Boeing looks like they are getting a 30% pay increase and we should too!

We can certainly all agree that we should always get the highest general wage increases possible, and that is absolutely what we fight for. Fortunately for us, our situation is not comparable to Boeing employees being represented by the IAM. Going back to at least 2014, those Boeing employees have received sub-standard wage increases that have consistently fallen short of our agreements. If they ratify their proposed wage increases, it will essentially bring them up to speed with where SMART-TD members are today. And that is before we factor in the 17.5% general wage increases that have been proposed to you right now. Further, the Boeing proposal does not include back pay, so those employees will never recoup what they have lost during negotiations, which weakens the dollar value of what they are getting compared to what we have enjoyed during that time. Another major nuance when comparing the two is that Boeing employees lost their pension if they had fewer than 20 years of service, which is valued at approximately $5 per hour. By comparison, our pension fund is secured and doing very well at the RRB.  Just like the John Deere, UPS, and UAW scenarios we have observed over the past few years, Boeing simply does not compare to us. We cannot fixate on the percentages of another union’s general wage increases without considering their agreements as a whole. Doing so would be a disservice to our members and a failure in our duties to obtain the best possible wages, rules, and healthcare improvements. Nonetheless, social media, anti-labor news outlets, and bad-faith actors who want us to fail continue to attempt to mislead our members with half-truths and misleading statistics.

These tentative agreements are simple and straightforward, and provide substantial wage increases without making concessions in other areas, and without making us fight for 2-3 years just to get what we deserve. Like every agreement in every unionized setting, this may not address or resolve every single issue that is important to every single member, but I am proud to say that this agreement provides significant improvements on many of the key issues that our members tell us about. Of course, we could have demanded everything and refused to meet on middle ground, which would have inevitably led to the same old drawn-out battle and years of delays, likely followed by a binding decision made by outsiders who do not completely understand our industry. We saw that play out in PEB 250, and our members have made it abundantly clear that they do not want a repeat of that situation.  We firmly believe that this is a straightforward, no B.S. agreement that delivers another round of damn good wage increases and healthcare improvements, without sacrificing other important areas such as our work rules, crew consist, and benefits.

If you still have questions, I highly encourage you to contact your General Chairperson or this office prior to casting your vote. We are more than willing and able to dispel any rumor or misinformation that is circulating on social media, in the crew room or on anti-union so-called “news” outlets. To find contact information for your General Committee office, the simplest way is to download the SMART Union app on your phone or tablet, or visit our website at www.smart-union.org to register and sign in to the Member Portal. From there, you can find a convenient directory with all the contact information for your elected representatives.

I hope this provides a better understanding of what is on the table — and perhaps most importantly what we don’t have on the table — for you to decide on. When all things are considered, we are confident that a “yes” vote is the right decision for our involved members, and we highly recommend that you do so.

In solidarity,

Jeremy R. Ferguson

Dear members of the SMART Transportation Division:

Thousands of our brothers and sisters in the southeastern United States are struggling with the devastation from Hurricane Helene.

Many people from big cities to rural areas — are dealing with displacement or damaged homes as that deadly storm caused historic floods and knocked out power. For many of our members, including in Local 1162 in Erwin, Tennessee, the challenge of rebuilding and recovering seems daunting at the least. The silver lining is that the generosity of people around the country can uplift people so that they may reclaim their lives.

We are asking our SMART-TD family to rise to the call and give so that the difficult task of starting over and rebuilding can begin.

Specific items needed for those who are nearby and can assist with physical donations of goods and items include:

  • Gasoline
  • Propane
  • Toilet paper
  • Canned goods

If you are in an affected area and need assistance, please connect with your state safety and legislative director (SLD) or general chairperson, who are helping to mobilize assistance through the SMART and SMART-TD Disaster Relief funds.

You may also find more information about our relief fund on our website.

The SLDs are:

  • North Carolina — Ron Ingerick (ron.ingerick@NCsmart-union.org)
  • South Carolina — Will Ferguson (gwferg2002@yahoo.com)
  • Tennessee — Adren Crawford (adrencrawford@gmail.com)
  • Georgia — Patrick Folsom (pwfolsoml1263@gmail.com)
  • Florida — Andres Trujillo (fltrujilloutu@aol.com)

State Legislative Boards, General Committees and Locals, as well as individual members, outside the affected region are encouraged to make a financial donation to the SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund. Together we can help lessen the struggle, strengthen the recovery effort and bring hope and relief to our members.

Online pay methods are being explored, but the TD Disaster Relief Fund only accepts monetary donations in the form of checks at this time.

Contributions may be sent to:
SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund
6060 Rockside Woods Blvd., N., Suite 325
Independence, OH 44131

Thank you and God bless,

Jeremy R. Ferguson
President,
SMART Transportation Division

CLEVELAND, Ohio – On Sept. 23, 2024, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers, Transportation Division (SMART-TD), the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) jointly endorsed Sherrod Brown for U.S. Senate. The endorsement follows a meeting at ATDA’s Cleveland, Ohio, headquarters between Senator Brown and the presidents of the three Ohio-based national rail unions.

From left, American Train Dispatchers Association Secretary-Treasurer Bill Sikes, SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and ATDA President Ed Dowell.

The following is the joint statement of endorsement from SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson, ATDA President Ed Dowell and BLET National President Eddie Hall:

“In the current political landscape, where workers’ rights and safety regulations often take a back seat to corporate interests, few champions have consistently stood by labor unions and fought for worker protections like Senator Sherrod Brown. His unwavering commitment to rail safety and the dignity of unionized labor stands in stark contrast to his opponent, Bernie Moreno, whose policies and public statements reveal a disregard for the needs of working-class Americans. As the election approaches, Ohioans have a clear choice: a candidate who has tirelessly advocated for labor rights and rail safety, or one whose anti-union positions threaten the very livelihood of Ohio’s workers.

“For decades, Senator Brown has been a tireless advocate for working families, particularly unionized workers in industries like rail, manufacturing, and construction. Throughout his career, he has supported legislation that strengthens collective bargaining rights, ensures fair wages, and protects the benefits that union workers have fought for over generations. His leadership during the 2022 national rail labor dispute was a prime example of his dedication to standing up for workers when they need it most. Brown publicly supported rail workers’ demands for improved pay and benefits, including paid sick leave, and he worked to prevent the disruption of services while maintaining solidarity with the unions.

“In contrast, Bernie Moreno has made it clear that he does not prioritize union workers. A businessman with no background in public service, Moreno has aligned himself with anti-union, pro-corporate interests. He has spoken against labor unions, suggesting that they hinder economic growth, despite overwhelming evidence that unions play a crucial role in improving workers’ wages and working conditions. Unlike Brown, who has a proven track record of fighting for Ohio’s working-class families, Moreno’s business-first approach threatens to erode the hard-earned protections that union workers rely on.

SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson shakes U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s hand at the ATDA office in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 23, 2024.

“In February 2023, the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, shocked the nation and underscored the urgent need for stronger rail safety regulations. Sherrod Brown responded with swift action, co-sponsoring the Railway Safety Act and advocating for reforms that would prevent such disasters in the future. He has pushed for stricter oversight of rail companies, more frequent inspections, and improved safety protocols for hazardous materials transport. Brown’s leadership on rail safety reflects his understanding of the vital role railroads play in both the economy and public safety, as well as his commitment to protecting the communities and workers who depend on safe, reliable rail systems.

“Bernie Moreno, on the other hand, has shown little interest in addressing these pressing safety concerns. While Brown was on the ground in East Palestine, meeting with affected residents and demanding accountability from Norfolk Southern, Moreno has remained largely silent on the issue of rail safety. His lack of concern for worker safety is consistent with his broader opposition to regulations that protect employees. Moreno’s pro-business platform prioritizes deregulation, even in industries like rail where safety should be paramount. Such an approach would only embolden corporations to cut corners on safety, endangering both workers and communities.
Moreno’s campaign is built on his success in the business world, but that success has come at the expense of workers’ rights. He has openly opposed labor unions, dismissing them as unnecessary in a modern economy. His vision for Ohio is one where corporate interests dominate, and workers are left with fewer protections, lower wages, and diminished bargaining power. Moreno’s stance on unions isn’t just a political position — it’s a direct attack on the livelihoods of Ohio’s working families. If elected, Moreno would likely support policies that weaken collective bargaining, reduce workers’ benefits, and undermine the very fabric of union solidarity.

“In contrast, Sherrod Brown understands that unions are the backbone of a strong middle class. He knows that when workers have the power to negotiate fair wages and benefits, the entire economy benefits. Brown’s commitment to workers extends beyond speeches and photo opportunities; it is embedded in his legislative record and his personal values. He has consistently fought to protect the rights of union workers, whether by advocating for pro-labor legislation in Washington or by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with union members on picket lines.

“This election presents a stark contrast between two candidates with vastly different visions for Ohio’s future. Sherrod Brown represents a future where workers’ rights are respected, where rail safety is prioritized, and where unions continue to play a vital role in lifting up the middle class. Bernie Moreno, on the other hand, represents a future where corporations have free rein to exploit workers, where safety regulations are rolled back, and where the voices of working families are drowned out by corporate interests.

“For Ohio’s rail workers and union members across the state, the choice is clear. Sherrod Brown has spent his career fighting for them — fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize. Bernie Moreno, by contrast, poses a threat to the very existence of unions and the protections they provide.

“As Ohio faces critical challenges in rail safety and labor rights, the stakes could not be higher. Ohioans need a senator who will stand up for workers, not corporate profits. Sherrod Brown is that senator, and his proven track record of supporting unions and promoting safety makes him the right choice for Ohio’s working families.”

In addition to the statement of endorsement, the three union Presidents made the following additional remarks:

SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson praised Senator Brown’s track record, by adding “Sherrod Brown has been a long-time friend of rail labor, and all of labor for that matter. He has had our backs countless times on so many important issues, including the current Rail Safety Bill. Senator Brown had the safety of the entire state of Ohio’s back and this country’s when he co-sponsored the most important safety legislation in my lifetime. It’s our turn to have his back and support Senator Brown for his re-election. No one fights harder for us than he does and now we’re going to show him how hard rail labor will fight for him from now until November 5th! Thank you, Senator Brown for all you have done to keep us safe. The SMART Transportation Division is so very proud to be supporting you and to be a part of your campaign efforts here today.”

BLET National President Eddie Hall stated, “Anyone who lives within the sound of a train whistle should be concerned about rail safety. This is especially true in Ohio, where we’ve seen major derailments in places like East Palestine, Springfield and elsewhere.

“The railroads talk a good game about safety while running longer trains with fewer workers and cutting corners on maintenance. No one — and I mean no one in government — has done more to protect railroad workers and the communities served by the railroads from dangerous practices than Sherrod Brown. He stands up for workers and working families and takes strong stands to protect the people of Ohio and that’s why the members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen are standing by him.”

Finally, the event’s host, ATDA President Ed Dowell, applauded both Senator Brown and the other union presidents for coming together in a public show of solidarity: “Having Presidents Ferguson and Hall join me for this meeting demonstrates the importance of Sen. Brown’s re-election. The stakes have never been higher. Our neighbors, families, and friends should not fear that another rail tragedy will occur in Ohio. Unlike his rival, Sherrod Brown will not abandon rail safety after the election concludes. Sen. Brown will always fight for us, Ohioans. He’s not beholden to the railroad behemoths, which his rival will cave into. No senator advocates for rail safety more than Sherrod Brown and that’s why ATDA stands with him.”

Earlier in the day, SMART TD PAC released a video supporting Sherrod Brown.

For more information, please email sikes@atda.org.

The SMART Transportation Division is the largest rail union in the United States, comprised of approximately 125,000 active and retired members who work in a variety of different crafts in the transportation industry. These crafts include employees on every Class I railroad, Amtrak, many shortline railroads, bus and mass transit employees and airport personnel. More information is available at www.smart-union.org.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Cleveland is up for re-election in November, and the SMART Transportation Division PAC has sponsored a video showing his bipartisan work on rail safety. Brown has been endorsed by the SMART Transportation Division, the largest rail union in the United States.

Brown is co-sponsor of the Railway Safety Act of 2023, a bipartisan effort to enhance and improve safety in U.S. railway operations.

Contributions to SMART TD PAC are used for both Federal and State political purposes. Donations are completely voluntary and members may give more or less than the indicated PAC contribution club levels. Contributions may be canceled any time by writing to SMART TD PAC or by emailing tdpac@smart-union.org. Neither your employer nor the union will discriminate or retaliate against you based on whether or not you choose to contribute to SMART TD PAC. Federal law prohibits SMART TD PAC from soliciting donations from anyone other than the executive and administrative personnel and members of the organization, and families of these individuals. Any contributions received from any other person will be returned to the donor. Contributions to SMART TD PAC are not tax deductible.

Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.

Conductor Nathan Hatton arrived at work on August 9th ready for an ordinary shift. The twice-daily Amtrak run between Pontiac and Battle Creek, Michigan, is usually busy, but calm. Hatton and Dallas Jeffs, his assistant conductor, greeted passengers as they boarded.

One passenger, ticketed for the three-hour trip to Battle Creek, caught Hatton’s attention.

“This passenger was traveling a long distance, and yet he only had one small suitcase. When I greeted him, he was nonresponsive and avoided eye contact.” Hatton explained. The passenger was also wearing camouflage and knee pads.

LESSON 1: KNOW THE PATTERN AND WATCH FOR ANOMALIES

Conductors Nathan Hatton and Dallas Jeffs collaborated to stop a potentially dangerous situation aboard an Amtrak train.

As the local chairperson for LCA-769A, Hatton attended SMART-TD’s 2024 National Training Seminar in July. His training included a session on de-escalation techniques for transit workers. Such training is part of the union’s ongoing effort to confront the rising epidemic of violent assaults involving bus and passenger rail workers across the United States.

“In the training we were taught to watch for things that stuck out to us as not normal. He was checking a lot of the boxes on the list. Things our instructor, John Bostain, told us to be aware of and not to blow off,” Hatton said.

Bostain, an instructor for Command Presence Training, modeled his course on techniques used by the U.S. Marine Corps to anticipate and, if possible, defuse tragic events.

“When anomalies start to pile up, it’s an indication something is potentially wrong,” Bostain taught. “That’s when the transit worker must decide what to do to protect the safety of themselves and their passengers.”

Hatton quietly shared his observations with Jeffs, and they agreed to keep an eye on their unusual passenger.

LESSON 2: WATCH FOR SIGNS OF A PERSON IS IN CRISIS

Early in the journey, the passenger stood from his seat near the front of the car, removed his case, and moved it to an easily accessible luggage rack behind all the other passengers. He returned to his seat for a time, then moved to the cafe car. Hatton observed as the man ordered three shots of gin.

“The single most important technique for dealing with people in crisis is not escalating,” Bostain wrote. It is easy to accidentally make a situation more intense through confrontation, when a tense situation calls for a delicate touch.

While the passenger was occupied in the bar, the conductors decided it was time to see what was in that case. Hatton kept watch while Jeffs opened the case and discovered multiple loaded firearms. Amtrak police were contacted and discreetly boarded the train in Jackson, an hour out from Battle Creek. Jeffs moved the case to a vestibule, out of sight of other passengers, where the officer could discreetly inspect it.

LESSON 3: STAY CALM, CREATE SPACE AND GET BACKUP

With 15 minutes left in the journey, the Amtrak police proceeded cautiously. By this time the passenger seemed intoxicated, and he may have been armed. While they kept watch, Hatton also contacted the Battle Creek Police Department. The man was detained as he stepped off the train.

REMEMBER YOUR TRAINING

While there is no way for Hatton and Jeffs to know the plan or intentions of the man, his behavior was erratic and, improperly handled, had the potential of being catastrophic.  

By staying calm and working strategically, brothers Jeffs and Hatton may have saved their own lives, as well as several others.

For information on upcoming SMART-TD training opportunities, please visit our website and watch for announcements in our daily SMART-TD NewsWire emails.

Local 496 in Portsmouth, Ohio, has established an online fundraiser for the family of Joshua Bates, who died unexpectedly Sept. 5 from a heart attack while on the job.

Brother Bates was a conductor for Norfolk Southern and joined the union in May 2023.

“Joshua was not only a dedicated railroad brother but also a loving husband to Marie and a devoted father to their three beautiful children,” said Local 496 Secretary and Treasurer Benjamin Etterling. “His sudden passing is a tragedy that no family should endure, and it is during these dark times that we need to rally together.”

An online fundraiser has been established for Brother Bates’ family.

“The funds raised through this campaign will go directly to his family, assisting them with immediate expenses and ensuring they have the resources they need to navigate the challenging days ahead,” Etterling said.  “Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant impact and provide much-needed comfort to Marie and the children.”

The SMART Transportation Division offers its sincere condolences to Brother Bates’ family, friends, his Local 496 brothers and sisters and all who knew him in this difficult time of loss.

Brother Bates’ obituary is available here.

Brothers and sisters,

For many Americans, Labor Day signifies the end of another summer, the start of school or just another welcomed day off from work.

For those of us involved in organized labor, it means so much more.

However, and whenever you are able to celebrate, I ask that you take time this Labor Day to educate those around you of how this country’s labor movement has impacted the working conditions for EVERYONE in this nation.

SMART-TD members participate in a Labor Day march in Ohio in 2023.

What this holiday is emblematic of is the celebration of the core values of SMART-TD and all Americans who built and are part of this country’s blue-collar middle class.

The contributions of the labor community keep that dream alive in this country today. The holiday’s a chance to reflect on the achievements of our predecessors. Their efforts provided the pathway to establishing lives today where the work you are willing to do ideally reflects your quality of life.

With that in mind, we ask that you and your family recognize that the fight is never over and that by intensifying your support for those engaged in labor fights, we can continue to extend that path here in the present.

This holiday weekend, I ask that we commit as union brothers and sisters to do two things:

First, we should reflect on these men and women who fought before and are fighting now. It strengthens this union and all of labor when we take the time to learn about labor history. Perspective is a powerful tool. The collective power of union solidarity is as important to our lives today as it was to workers in the 1800s. The stands we make against management’s greed are the same fights that have gone on for hundreds of years.

Second, this weekend is an opportunity for all of us engaged in the struggle to participate. We can take inventory of whether our commitment to our union is proportionate to what those who laid the groundwork before us have done. Child labor laws, minimum wages, the sanctity of health care being part of the compensation for our labor WERE NOT GIVEN TO US. They were fought for because we in labor took a stand.

The past four years have been among the most productive in the history of this country’s labor movement. Gains made by rail labor and also in the quality of life for working-class Americans across the country will be seen as key points in this era in American labor history.

Our movement’s recent progress was in no small part due to the actions taken by labor. It also was facilitated by people in power who value our viewpoint. Labor overall has benefited from a federal government that views laborers as experts in their respective fields, rather than CEOs and managers who dictate from on high, draw the largest paychecks and blatantly ignore the fact that labor contributes to their profits.

As we approach November, it is imperative that we factor this into our process of determining whom we should support. Do we want to face a resurgence of class warfare that threatens to erase historic gains and protections the labor movement has earned? Or do we want to see our progress be preserved and continue?

The world we live in provides many challenges to all in labor. We need every one of our proud members to be engaged to better the lives of all.

Let us keep the trails that were blazed by our predecessors clear, open, and accessible to all and make our own.

Please stay safe this holiday weekend!

In solidarity,

Jeremy R. Ferguson,

President, SMART Transportation Division

Michael Anderson, 78, a retired California state legislative director and longtime assistant state legislative director from Local 1570 (Roseville, Calif.), passed away Aug. 8, 2024.

Michael Anderson retired after a stint as California state legislative director in 2020.

Brother Anderson, a second-generation railroader, began his rail career as a switchman at Southern Pacific’s Roseville Yard in June 1964 and initially was a member of the Switchmen’s Union of North America (SUNA), which merged into the United Transportation Union in 1969.

Brother Anderson started as a legislative rep for his SUNA local, then for his UTU/SMART-TD Local 1570. He was assistant state legislative director for 27 years beginning in 1991 before serving as SLD for a few months in 2019/2020.

He also served on the TD’s Executive Board from 2008 to the group’s dissolution in 2019 at the Second SMART Transportation Division Convention.

“Mike was always helpful and always had a kind greeting for everybody,” wrote colleague Bruce Holder, who worked with Anderson on safety matters. “In those old SP days, the railroad had an injury report called the 2611. Mike came up with an unsafe condition report he labeled the 2610. His point was that if the railroad didn’t address the 2610 report, a 2611 injury report would soon follow.

“You were one of a kind Michael. And one of the best. We owe you for leading the way for many years.”

The SMART Transportation Division extends its condolences to Brother Anderson’s family, friends and his brothers and sisters at Local 1570.

Open enrollment for the SMART-TD Voluntary Group Life (VLIFE) insurance and Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) insurance plans for members ends Aug. 23, 2024.

This will be the last opportunity this year to get coverage.

Here are some available coverage highlights:

VLTD

  • Protects members’ income if they cannot work due to injury, illness or surgery.
  • Tax-free benefits — no medical exams/questions required to enroll.
  • Up to $5,000 of monthly benefits for up to five years.
  • Benefits start paying after the SMART VSTD stops — 238 days for rail members and 365 days for bus members.

VLIFE

  • Members can elect up to $250,000 with no medical exams/questions required.
  • Benefits double in the event of an accidental death.
  • 24-7 on and off the job protection.

This opportunity is currently open only to members who are not participating in the SMART-TD VLTD or VLIFE.

Additionally, members can explore options like Cancer, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Hospital Indemnity insurance via UTUIA.

Members can learn more and enroll by visiting www.smart-vltd.com.

Thank you for your dedication, and please take this opportunity to ensure that you are well-equipped and -protected.

Maryland State Legislative Director Larry Kasecamp turned it up to 11 when he attended the SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas.

The event, held at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas from Aug. 11-16, was the 11th convention Kasecamp has attended.

He’s the TD’s longest-serving state legislative director, having represented our members in the state of Maryland for 34 years. Kasecamp has held every elected position in Local 600 (Cumberland, Md.) since hiring on at B&O in 1977.

2024 showed him something he’d never seen before.

“My first convention was in 1983 at the Fountainebleau — that one was three weeks long,” Kasecamp remembered. His favorite convention was in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1991. He was also there when Fred Hardin defeated Tom DuBose by a slim margin in 1987.

But there was no such drama at the 2024 TD Convention or SMART General Convention.

“In all the conventions I’ve attended. I’ve never seen the delegate body in such full support of the leadership,” Kasecamp said. “It’s unprecedented — I’ve never seen it in my entire time where everyone was elected by acclamation.

“There have been a lot of close elections and a lot of division [in the past]. I think the leadership team we have right now is probably the best we’ve had. At least as far as the support they have.”

One other thing the conventions and regional meetings offer is not just a chance to bond with his union family, but it also gives a chance for his family, including his wife and five children, to vacation together.

“I always put family first and brought them to conventions and regional meetings,” he said. “We made it a family event, so they’d see the importance of labor.”