National Negotiations advance with NRLC meeting on Jan. 23

January 7, 2025

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SMART TD Union leads the charge for fair treatment and better benefits 

Thursday, January 23, President Ferguson, all TD Rail Vice Presidents and several General Chairpersons will present our case for a fair, more sustainable agreement as detailed by our Section 6 notice to the National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC). These discussions are the first step in shaping our next labor agreement. 

Related: Where our Section 6 issues came from ► 

The road to a fair national railroad labor agreement will not be easy, but SMART TD is prepared for the challenges ahead. As negotiations move forward, the union will remain in communication with its members, providing updates and guidance throughout the process. We urge all freight rail members to stay informed, participate in union activities, and remain united as we push for the changes we deserve. 

We will post all updates under the “Member Portal” section of our website to keep everyone in the union fully informed.  

To view the Section 6 notices as served by both the National Railway Labor Conference and SMART Transportation Division: 

  1. Sign in to the member portal at smart-union.org/members ► 
  1. Return to this page and click to View our Section 6 Notice ► 

Section 6 Notices: A blueprint for change

The Section 6 notices are a formal part of the collective bargaining process and outline the changes and improvements the unions seek in the new National Agreement. For SMART TD, the proposed changes address key areas that reflect the current needs of freight rail workers. This includes: 

  • Workplace Safety: Members’ safety is paramount. SMART TD is demanding stronger safety measures and protections to ensure that workers are not exposed to unnecessary risks while on the job. 
  • Job Security: Establish a new rule requiring the railroads who are party to the agreement to give furloughed conductors from one railroad first consideration when filling jobs on another. Conductors hired under this rule would be entitled to retain their years of service for vacation and personal leave purposes when transferring to the new railroad.   
  • Wages: The union is pushing for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living and the increasing demands of the job. 
  • Health & Welfare: Improvements in health and welfare benefits are a top priority. As part of the notice, SMART TD is calling for better healthcare options, reduced out-of-pocket costs, and an enhanced pension plan to ensure that members are well taken care of now and into retirement. 
  • Vacation: We seek to increase the number of vacation weeks earned by our members with extended years of service and the rate at which vacation time is increased on the front end of our members’ railroad careers. 
  • Work Rules and Conditions: Adjustments to work rules and schedules are also on the table. Union members seek manageable working conditions, with a focus on improved quality of life both on and off the job. 

SMART-TD railroad delegation packed with heavy hitters 

President Ferguson, all TD Rail Vice Presidents, and several General Chairpersons will engage with the National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC). The General Chairpersons appointed to the National Bargaining Team come with decades of experience handling on-the-property agreements, and each provides a unique outlook on how their memberships are affected. They are Acting GCA-001 General Chairperson Brent Lind, GCA-009 General Chairperson Scott Swiatek, GCA-256 & AVP (YM) Chris Bartz, GCA-433 General Chairperson Roger “Adren” Crawford, GCA-449 General Chairperson Justin Wolters, GCA-680 General Chairperson David Phillips, GCA-687 General Chairperson James Ball, GCA-898 General Chairperson Thomas Gholson.   

A Stronger Future for Freight Rail Workers 

The fight for a better railroad contract is just beginning, but SMART TD is ready to lead the charge. With the support of our members, we are confident that we can secure a fair, equitable deal that addresses the issues that matter most. Together, we will ensure that freight rail workers receive the respect, benefits, and compensation they have earned. 

This round of National negotiations is unique in that it affects only three of the Class I railroads. Canadian National, BNSF, and Norfolk Southern, along with multiple smaller railroads, are participating in the national negotiations. The other three Class Is (CSX, UP, and CP) are negotiating individually with the general chairpersons on their respective properties. 

We encourage all members to stay engaged and stand united as we move forward in this crucial process. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the future of our industry and the lives of every worker on America’s railroads, both current and future.