News Archive
Historic short-line agreement proves workers are stronger with SMART-TD at their side
Local 1887 at Birmingham Terminal Railway ratified a landmark agreement with WATCO, securing a substantial wage increase and other quality-of-life improvements without making any concessions. The SMART-TD negotiated contract sets a new industry benchmark for short-line pay and showcases the power of union solidarity.
Organizers Use Broad Skill Set to Increase Membership
After convening last month, SMART-TD’s organizers are more determined than ever to grow our union. Read on to learn how our ranks have expanded, both internally and externally, and where our organizers have their sights set for the year ahead.
SMART solidarity leads to unanimous contract victory at Tri-Rail
In so-called “right-to-work” states like Florida — the home of commuter rail service Tri-Rail — union workers are often forced to overcome multiple obstacles during contract negotiations. On the one hand, they’re trying to make gains on pay, benefits and working conditions. O [...]
Martha Claugus Marks Three Decades with Alaska Railroad
For nearly 30 years, Martha Claugus has worked for the Alaska Railroad. What started out as a summer job turned into a second family, with the solidarity to see one another through thick and thin. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to find out how things have changed and what we can do to welcome more women into our ranks.
Show Your Union Pride!
American Products, and representative Sherry Schirripa, have managed SMART-TD's merchandise for over 20 years! Read on to see how this partnership makes it easy for our members to get their hands on affordable, high quality, union-made merch.
Thank You for Standing Up Against CSX’s “Zero-to-Zero” Push
In a letter to SMART-TD members, Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director, Jared Cassity expresses his gratitude for their efforts in opposing CSX's push for the Trip Optimizer Air Brake Control (Zero-to-Zero) technology. Read on to see how your voices were key to SMART-TD's formal objection to this attempt to move our industry one step closer to full automation.
Like Mother, Like Daughter: New Jersey Transit is All in the Family for Rashonda Brown & Shakyia Ward
Rashonda Brown and her daughter, Shakyia Ward, are both conductors for New Jersey Transit. Even though they hold the same job title, they’ve made it a priority to forge their own professional paths. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to find out who persuaded each of them to work for New Jersey Transit and what positive and negative changes they’ve seen during their time as conductors.