News Archive
Bills Mount After Texas Conductor Loses a Leg
Raul Gomez (Local 18, El Paso), a union brother known for dropping everything to help a friend or co-worker in need, lost his leg in a devastating on-the-job accident nearly 20 months ago. Unable to work, his family is now buried under a mountain of bills and everyday expenses. He needs our help to catch up. Read on to learn about his accident and how you can help.
2026 Railroad Retirement and Unemployment Insurance Tax Changes
While the tax rates remain unchanged, the income limits for Tier I and Tier II retirement taxes will rise slightly in 2026. Tier I will be $184,500, while Tier II increases to $137,100. Read on to see how the updated compensation limits, Medicare thresholds, and unemployment insurance rates will affect your paychecks in the year ahead.
SMART General President Michael Coleman praises SMART-TD agreement with Union Pacific, congratulates members on ratification
SMART General President Michael Coleman's statement on the agreement ratified by SMART-TD members working on Union Pacific properties.
SMART Women’s Committee statement on Amber Czech
Read the SMART Women's Committee's statement on Amber Czech, a Minnesota tradeswoman who was murdered at work.
SMART-TD Members on UP Properties Ratify Five-Year Agreement
Members working on Union Pacific properties have overwhelmingly ratified a five-year agreement, with a vast majority voting “yes” for substantial wage increases, enhanced benefits, and powerful new protections that resolve longstanding issues. Read on to see how this strong contract victory will deliver real gains in pay, quality of life, and fairness for SMART-TD’s UP membership over the next five years.
General President Coleman’s Thanksgiving message to U.S. members
"Thanksgiving is about gratitude. It is about the things that matter in life: Loved ones. Community. Our health, and our well-being. "As SMART members, these values are especially meaningful. We are part of the movement that fought to protect those things that matter to us — and so all of us could enjoy days like Thanksgiving. We continue to fight so that every single person gets the pay, the benefits and the respect they deserve."
Railroader’s Son to Perform at Carnegie Hall
“A.J.” Hamburger Jr. will take the stage at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the National Honors Bands Performance Series. A.J. is the son of BNSF conductor and SMART-TD Local 934 (Alliance, Nebraska) Vice Local Chairperson Aaron Hamburger. On February 8, 2026, A.J. will join only 350 students out of more than 10,000 applicants worldwide. Read on to learn more about this accomplishment.
Union Members Head to College Thanks to Tuition Benefit
As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, remember that a flexible and affordable way to reach your higher education goals is on the menu. Launched earlier this year, the Union College Benefit program has become a popular option for SMART-TD union members and their families. Read on to learn how you can enroll today.