News - Page 6 of 625 - SMART Union

Call for photos: “From America’s roads to rails, we want to see your best shots!”

February 24, 2025 If you have a memorable snapshot of the rails or on the road, consider sharing it with your union brothers and sisters! If your photo is featured by SMART News you could receive free swag! Read on for details.

SB 25-162

February 24, 2025

Department of Defense halts PLAs on construction projects

February 21, 2025 Project labor agreements, or PLAs, represent one of the greatest achievements of the unionized construction industry, benefiting taxpayers, contractors, union members AND nonunion workers alike. PLAs have been lifting working families into the middle class for generations — e [...]

Tags Department of Defense, PLAs, Project Labor Agreement, project labor agreements, Trump

A Century of Labor History for the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters

February 21, 2025 2025 marks 100 years since the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) was founded, the first African American labor union in the United States. As we wrap up Black History Month, SMART-TD is proud to share the story of these trailblazers who left a powerful legacy that still impacts our members today.

CSX Threatens Engineers’ Jobs with New “Zero-Zero” Autopilot Technology

February 20, 2025 SMART-TD is raising concerns over CSX's petition to use a new Trip Optimizer Air Brake Control system, which will control freight train operations from start to stop. While CSX claims the system will reduce fuel consumption and emissions, SMART-TD believes these claims are little more than a smokescreen for CSX’s true intentions. Read on to find out what they really want and what we can do to stop them.

SMART Education Department classes bring members together to strengthen our union

February 20, 2025 As 2025 gets fully underway, bringing with it a new set of challenges across the United States and Canada, the SMART Education Department continues to offer classes to SMART members and officers — helping local unions better represent members, and strengthening our union. The [...]

Tags education, Education Department, organize, organizing

Legacy: Edmonds Family Mourns a Loss While Celebrating a Future on the Rails

February 18, 2025 Howard Edmonds began a railroading legacy. During his 37-year career, he set an example for his son and grandson, who mourn his January 28 passing and look ahead to their own futures on the rails. Read on to learn more about what started this unexpected family tradition.

“Organizing is our lifeblood:” Benson details the role every member plays in strengthening SMART

February 18, 2025 “We’re seeing growth like we’ve never seen before,” said SMART Director of Organizing Jason Benson during a recent interview. In more than 25 years of union membership, Benson couldn’t have dreamed of experiencing anything quite like the last five years. Domestic infra [...]

Tags megaproject, organize, Organizer, SMART Director of Organizing

UPDATE: Arrangements Announced for Brother Steve Bryant’s Celebration of Life

February 14, 2025 UPDATE: Arrangements announced for the Celebration of Life for Local Chairperson from 1518, Steve Bryant.

Cuts to CSX Peer Training Leave New Hires Without Dedicated Mentors

February 13, 2025 Two weeks ago, a mentor in CSX’s peer training program was notified that his position was being cut due to lower revenue after a rough quarter. He's not the only one. While the railroad may save some money, new hires will likely feel the impact of this decision. Read on to learn more about which aspects of training are most affected and why this is more than just a program for the mentors.