SMART-TD endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for President: A commitment to two-person crews and worker safety

On Aug. 12, delegates at the Third SMART General Convention voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president in the upcoming 2024 election following President Joe Biden’s announcement on July 21 that he would end his re-election campaign.

This significant endorsement reflects the voice of SMART-TD’s members, who have long fought for the safety and well-being of our freight rail workers.

SMART-TD extends its heartfelt thanks to President Biden for his dedicated service and commitment to the labor movement. Under his watch, we made significant advancements in protecting our bus, transit and railroad members. The doors of his administration were always open when we needed to speak with the Department of Transportation, FRA, FTA, NTSB or STB, or others.

We are eager to support Vice President Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in continuing the vital work that has marked the Biden-Harris administration’s tenure.

Advocating for two-person crews

Four years ago, during a global pandemic that tested our resilience, SMART-TD members united to support Biden and Harris, driven by their promise to uphold workers’ rights and enhance safety measures across the board.

The Biden-Harris administration has delivered, notably through the recent Federal Railroad Administration regulation mandating two-person crews on freight trains. This crucial regulation, finalized this spring, stands as a testament to their dedication to improving the working conditions of freight rail members and ensuring safer operations on our railroads.

Two-person crews are not just a policy choice but a critical safety measure that impacts the well-being of every freight rail worker. The presence of two qualified individuals in the cab of a freight train helps prevent accidents, ensures immediate response to emergencies, and supports overall operational safety. It is an essential step towards protecting our members and reinforcing the safety standards within the industry.

Championing worker safety and rights

The Biden-Harris administration has also demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting public transit and bus workers. Their focus on addressing worker assaults in these sectors aligns with our broader goal of ensuring safety and respect for all transportation workers. This administration’s proactive stance on worker safety issues, including FTA’s establishment of Public Transit Safety Plans reflects a clear understanding of the challenges faced by frontline transportation employees and a dedication to creating safer working environments.

Building on a legacy of pro-worker policies

Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz have consistently demonstrated their support for the labor movement. Harris, with her leadership in the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing, and Walz, with his pro-labor legislation as governor — he is the first and only governor to have signed legislation covering yardmaster hours of service — are both strong allies in our continued fight for workers’ rights and safety.

Looking ahead

As we face the possibility of a return to anti-worker policies in November’s election, the SMART-TD stands firm in its support for the Harris-Walz ticket.

Their commitment to the labor movement and their track record of advancing worker-friendly policies make them the best choice to lead our nation forward.

We extend our deepest gratitude to President Biden for his unwavering support and look forward to working with Vice President Kamala Harris to continue advancing the interests of our members and all working families across the country.