News Archive
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.
New Business Managers class helps local leaders fight for members across North America
During the week of November 17, 2025, new local union leaders gathered in St. Louis, Mo., for the SMART Education Department’s New Business Managers class. The class — extended to five days for 2025 — focused on management of a local union by looking at all its parts and functions: leadership, staff, representation, resources, trust funds, organizing and community relationships.
Rail Trespassing and Suicide Fatalities Up 70%
Trespasser and suicide-related incidents now account for 50 percent of all transit-related fatalities reported in 2024. Between 2016 and 2024, these events have risen sharply, with major incidents up 71 percent, fatalities up 70 percent, and injuries up 65 percent. The Federal Transit Administration has issued new recommendations for transit agencies to confront this crisis, along with resources for railroaders who are forced to contend with the aftermath of these incidents.
SMART relaunches podcast for members with season focused on mental health
SMART has officially relaunched the Talking SMART podcast, newly focused on providing information, resources and stories that are relevant to members and their families. The first-ever season of Talking SMART will focus on mental health, with episodes diving into the concept of mental wellness, what different types of mental illness look like, resources available to members and more.Talking SMART, Season 1 Episode 1: Talking about mental health and member resources with Chris Carlough
This is the first episode in the first-ever themed season of Talking SMART, which will focus on mental health. Over the course of the season, SMART members and guests will dive into the concept of mental wellness, what different types of mental illness can look like, the resources available to members and their families and much more. Listen to the first episode today, featuring SMART Director of Wellness and Mental Health Support Chris Carlough.