18 months ago, Sister Heather Steele (Local 168, Chicago) was violently attacked while working as an Amtrak conductor. After exhausting disability support, she and her family are now facing severe financial hardship, including the loss of their home. Read on to learn how you can help our brave union sister.
In the second episode of this season of Talking SMART, we’re joined by SMART Director of Wellness and Mental Health Support Chris Carlough and Union EAP CEO Ben Cort. Together, their work helps ensure that SMART members and families across the United States and Canada don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
Each year on Feb. 4, Rosa Parks’ birthday reminds us that public transit is also a platform for dignity, equality, and progress. Read on to see how some transit agencies are honoring the trailblazer’s legacy today and how this tribute connects civil rights history with the ongoing work of bus and passenger rail members.
Ohio State Safety & Legislative Director Clyde Whitaker reflects on the 3rd anniversary of the East Palestine derailment with a powerful commentary. Despite new laws and promises, the railroads are still playing the same dangerous games with safety. Read on to see how crews are still being pressured to ignore defect detector warnings and keep trains moving, proving that profits continue to come before people.
Nearly 500 SMART sisters and allies from across North America traveled to Chicago, Ill., for Tradeswomen Build Nations — the world’s largest gathering of tradeswomen — from September 19-21, 2025. Alongside more than 6,000 fellow union workers, SMART members and leaders put the power of solidarity on full display.
Throughout the past several years, SMART members and working families across the United States have made one thing clear: The system just isn’t working. Or at least, it isn't working for working people. For the rich and powerful, things are going just fine — and that's no accident.