News - SMART Union

Report: Department of Energy delays funding for energy efficiency work in public schools

August 26, 2025 Following President Trump’s January executive orders regarding funds from the infrastructure law, the United States Department of Energy delayed funding awards for the Renew America’s Schools program, which has put SMART members to work nationwide, to conduct a review for alignment with the new administration’s policies. So far, it is unclear whether the Department of Energy has resumed committing FY 2025 funds for the program.

Tags Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, energy efficiency, iaq, schools, Trump Administration, Trump anti-labor president

Local 1258 Earns an “A” for Inaugural Backpack Drive

August 25, 2025 SMART-TD Local 1258 (Elgin, Illinois) delivered 24 fully filled backpacks for the Hanover Park School District after its first-ever backpack drive. Read on to learn what spurred the idea and how the local went the extra mile to give back to their community.

SMART General President Michael Coleman’s statement on ICE detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia

August 25, 2025 On Monday, August 25, Kilmar Abrego Garcia attended a mandatory check-in with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement in Baltimore, where he was detained. Read SMART General President Michael Coleman's response.

Tags General President Coleman, General President Michael Coleman, Michael Coleman, statement

SMART General President Michael Coleman’s statement on reports that Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been released to his family

August 22, 2025 Following reports Friday that Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been freed from Putnam County Jail and is on his way to Maryland to be reunited with his family, SMART General President Michael Coleman issued this statement.

Tags General President Coleman, General President Michael Coleman, Michael Coleman, statement

Local 1741 Ratifies Trio of Strong Agreements

August 22, 2025 Members of Local 1741 (San Francisco, California) notched several big wins in their new agreements while standing firm against the company’s attempts to get what it wanted at the workers’ expense. They join a growing list of SMART-TD locals enjoying recently ratified new contracts. Read on for details.

Cheaper to Burn Bridges than Inspect Them: Documentary Reveals Railroad Negligence

August 21, 2025 A new hard-hitting video from the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism reveals how the railroads’ widespread neglect of their bridges put our communities at risk and why that problem is about to get much worse if we don’t do something to stop it. Read on to see what we can do to spread the word.

Union Pacific Deemed “Serial Violator” of FRSA, OSHA Slaps Railroad with Hefty Penalty

August 20, 2025 A recent case underscores why the right legal representation is critical if you are punished for reporting a safety violation or injury on the railroad. Representation can be the difference between winning or losing when your job is on the line. Read on for a real-world example.

Special Focus: Fighting for members across North America

August 20, 2025 Across North America, spanning the sheet metal and transportation industries, SMART continues to fight for what matters in the face of fierce opposition: members and their families.