As I reflect on the recent SMART-TD Convention, I am deeply honored and grateful for the overwhelming support you have shown me and my leadership team. It is clear that the hard work and dedication we’ve put in since 2019 have resonated with those who matter most — the members we proudly serve.
First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Being entrusted with the role of SMART-TD president for a second term is one of the greatest honors of my life. Your continued confidence in my leadership fuels our commitment to achieving even greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
The past five years have not been without their challenges, but each obstacle has provided us with valuable lessons. These experiences have not only highlighted our individual resilience but have also reinforced the strength of our collective team. They’ve shown us that when we face difficulties, we do so together, learning and growing from each experience.
In both the bus and rail sectors, we have never shied away from addressing any issue brought to us by our members. Our dedication to fighting for every concern, regardless of public perception or win percentages, is what sets us apart. The power of our united force enables us to represent our members with unwavering resolve.
Some of the defining moments of my first term were our engagement in the fights for two-person freight rail crews, the fight for additional protections for our bus and transit members, and obtaining the dignity of paid sick time for our freight rail members. The landscape of our negotiations might look different now, going into 2025’s national negotiations, but the principles guiding our advocacy remain steadfast. We fight for you, and that commitment does not waver.
As I step into this second term, I am reminded of the immense pride I feel in leading such a remarkable union and working alongside a dedicated staff. Together, we’ve achieved significant milestones, and I am excited about the potential that lies ahead. The next five years will bring their own set of challenges, but I firmly believe that, together, we can transform these challenges into opportunities.
Brothers and sisters, I urge you to remain united and stay the course. There is much more work to be done, and with your continued support, we will tackle each task with the same vigor and determination that has brought us this far.
Thank you for your trust and for standing with us. Here’s to the future and to the continued strength of our union.
In solidarity,
Jeremy R. Ferguson President, Transportation Division
Jeremy Ferguson of Local 313 (Grand Rapids, Mich.) was reelected as president of SMART-TD on Sunday, August 11, by delegates to the Third TD Convention.
His second five-year term as the leader of the United States’ largest railroad and transit union begins Oct. 1, where he will continue to lead the fight for the safety and just treatment of those he represents.
Ferguson reelected after five years of accomplishments
“We’ve been winning, and winning big time,” he said, speaking of SMART-TD’s results during his first term. “I’m proud of each and every one of [our members], and I’m proud of my team behind me. Thanks to your efforts, we still have two crewmembers on the train.
“This union is winning on all accounts, across the board, including in arbitration, negotiations and mediation. We are the best union out there and that’s not just my thinking, that is a fact.
“Since the freight carriers went to war against us on day two of my administration, we’ve been on the offense,” he said. “Since the cities, county agencies and transit companies started trying to put things over on our essential operators, we have met them with strength.”
Transit union focused on assault prevention
Under Ferguson’s watch, SMART-TD formed the Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee, which is dedicated to stopping the epidemic of violence transit members face. Created in July 2023, BTAPS has made progress increasing the penalties for assaulting transportation workers. BTAPS is also negotiating to make working conditions for bus and transit workers safer through the installation of protective barriers and other measures.
Railroad union focused on safety and quality of life improvements
Ferguson was among the coalition of rail labor leaders who achieved paid sick time for railroad employees in 2022. Rail labor made considerable progress toward safety improvements during Ferguson’s first term, including the Federal Railroad Administration’s establishment of a two-person freight rail crew regulation.
Negotiations for the next national rail labor contract are scheduled to begin later this year.
Work ethic and integrity are Ferguson’s strengths
Don Zatteau, a delegate of Ferguson’s home local, made the initial nomination for Ferguson’s reelection. The motion received multiple seconds.
“His character and integrity are beyond reproach. His work ethic should be set as an example for this industry,” Zatteau said. “He lives and breathes this union, [it is] his heart and soul.”
Ferguson was challenged for the office by attorney Terry Smith, a member of Local 794 (Wellington, Kan.). Ferguson won reelection with 952 to 45 votes.
No changes among other top union officers
National Legislative Director Gregory Hynes (Local 1081, Phoenix, Ariz.) And Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity (Local 1377, Russell, Ky.) Were also returned to their positions in uncontested elections.
All six rail Transportation Division vice presidents ran uncontested and were reelected by acclamation.
They are:
Brent Leonard (Local 202, Denver, Colo.)
Chad Adams (Local 331, Temple, Texas)
Jamie Modesitt (Local 298, Garrett, Ind.)
Joe Lopez (Local 794, Wellington, Kan.)
Gary Crest (Local 807, Tucson, Ariz.)
Dave Wier Jr. (Local 469, Madison, Ill.)
Leonard was also returned to the successor president position by acclamation.
“We’ve defied expectations and proven our resilience,” he said.
Bus incumbents defeat challengers
SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President Alvy Hughes (Local 1596, Charlotte, N.C.) was challenged by Manuel Martinez of Local 1608 (Chatsworth, Calif.). Hughes won the election, 896–104.
SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval (Local 23, Santa Cruz, Calif.) was challenged by Alt. Vice President Richard Finley of Local 1558 (Bergenfield, N.J.). Sandoval retained his seat, 939-58.
Alvy HughesChad AdamsChris BartzGregory Hynes
Cassity returned by acclamation
Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity was reelected by acclamation.
“Our issues are not political — they’re either right or they’re wrong,” Cassity said, addressing the nation’s divided political climate that hinders progress on workers’ issues. “In this room, there are no political adversaries. Our issues are our issues and worth fighting for. Do not let someone else drive a wedge between you!”
Bus Alternate Vice Presidents
Anthony Petty of Local 1594 (Upper Darby, Pa.) was elected to Bus Department Alternate VP — East by acclamation.
“I’m going to hit the ground running,” Petty said. “For the bus membership, we are going to be stronger. I’m proud to be part of this team.”
Incumbent Alt. Vice President — West Markeisha Haynes of Local 1785 (Santa Monica, Calif.) Faced a challenge from longtime LACMTA bus operator Pedro “Pete” Lara of Local 1563 (El Monte, Calif.) and won the vote, 861–126.
Rail Alternate Vice Presidents Alt. Vice President
Anthony Simon (Local 645, Babylon, N.Y.) announced his retirement from the position of alternate vice president, creating a vacancy. GCA-721 General Chairperson Thomas Behsman of Local 64 (Waseca, Minn.), who works for CPKC, and GCA-270 General Chairperson Edward W. “Chip” Waugh of Local 1258 (Elgin, Ill.), who works on Metra, both sought to join the incumbent Transportation Division’s leadership, which included:
Scott Chelette (Local 1337, New Orleans, La.)
Larry Miller Jr. (Local 1841, Klamath, Ore.)
Chris Bartz (Local 1976, St. Paul, Minn.)
Tommy Gholson (Local 573, Danville, Ky.)
Luke Edington (Local 286, North Platte, Neb.)
The final vote tally saw Waugh joining the five incumbents.
GP Coleman swears in newly elected TD officers.
Two new faces on SMART-TD Board of Appeals
Three incumbents on the SMART-TD Board of Appeals were returned to the board by acclamation. They are:
Tony McAdams (Local 1092, Teague, Texas), Road Service
Kevin Smith (Local 1813, Colton, Calif.), Yard Service
Tim Flynn Jr. (Local 832, Superior, Wis.), Engine Service
Brenda Moore (Local 1715, Charlotte, N.C.) retired from her role as the Bus Department’s representative on the Board of Appeals, and Rick Pauli did not run for reelection as the Commuter representative, leaving room for two new faces on the board.
Christine Ivey (Local 1785, Santa Monica, Calif.) ran unopposed as Moore’s replacement, and an election was held for two candidates for the Commuter Board of Appeals vacancy.
LCA-769A Chairperson Cole Czub of Local 898 (Boston, Mass.), a member of the BTAPS Committee, faced LCA-769 Chairperson Mike Buckley of Local 838 (Philadelphia, Pa.) and won the election.
Czub and Ivey assume their new roles Oct. 1.
Members made this convention happen
A special note of thanks to the hard-working members of SMART Local 137 in New York City, Local 540 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and Local 88 in Las Vegas, whose dedication and labor helped make the Third SMART General Convention a success.
Since early 2024, workers in production facilities represented by Local 540 have worked tirelessly to produce a variety of convention apparel. From Transportation Division-branded hats to the SMART tablet bags provided to delegates, these SMART sisters and brothers sewed union pride and craftsmanship into the fabric of the convention.
Local 88 members Jamal Johnson and Jorge Hernandez-Gutierrez worked in close collaboration throughout the convention with SMART staff across departments, handling logistics and preparing for a smooth convention.
Finally, as in years past, all the convention signage in Las Vegas was fabricated by Local 137 apprentices and volunteer journeyworkers like Michael Viviano. Working night and day through several weekends, these members created all the directional signage for use at the convention, member images as well as the ceremonial gift check that was presented to our designated charity, the United Labor Agency of Nevada (ULAN). The volunteers who gave up their weekends to make the signs include Bryan Barahona, Dillon Franzese, Thomas Navarro, Robert Blood and Local 137 Financial Secretary-Treasurer and JATC Coordinator Pete Scaglione. Brothers Viviano and Scaglione have produced signage for SMART conferences and conventions for more than 15 years.
On behalf of all delegates, members and honored guests at the Third SMART General Convention: Thank you, brothers and sisters, for all that you do!
Maryland State Legislative Director Larry Kasecamp turned it up to 11 when he attended the SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas.
The event, held at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas from Aug. 11-16, was the 11th convention Kasecamp has attended.
He’s the TD’s longest-serving state legislative director, having represented our members in the state of Maryland for 34 years. Kasecamp has held every elected position in Local 600 (Cumberland, Md.) since hiring on at B&O in 1977.
2024 showed him something he’d never seen before.
“My first convention was in 1983 at the Fountainebleau — that one was three weeks long,” Kasecamp remembered. His favorite convention was in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1991. He was also there when Fred Hardin defeated Tom DuBose by a slim margin in 1987.
But there was no such drama at the 2024 TD Convention or SMART General Convention.
“In all the conventions I’ve attended. I’ve never seen the delegate body in such full support of the leadership,” Kasecamp said. “It’s unprecedented — I’ve never seen it in my entire time where everyone was elected by acclamation.
“There have been a lot of close elections and a lot of division [in the past]. I think the leadership team we have right now is probably the best we’ve had. At least as far as the support they have.”
One other thing the conventions and regional meetings offer is not just a chance to bond with his union family, but it also gives a chance for his family, including his wife and five children, to vacation together.
“I always put family first and brought them to conventions and regional meetings,” he said. “We made it a family event, so they’d see the importance of labor.”
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 11, 2024) — Jeremy Ferguson of Local 313 (Grand Rapids, Mich.) was reelected Sunday as president of the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers’ Transportation Division (SMART-TD).
His second five-year term as the leader of the United States’ largest railroad and transit union begins Oct. 1, where he will continue to lead the fight for the safety and just treatment of those he represents.
TD President Jeremy Ferguson at the Third TD Convention: “I’m proud of each and every one of [our members], and I’m proud of my team behind me. Thanks to your efforts, we still have two crewmembers on the train.”
Ferguson re-elected after five years of accomplishments
“We’ve been winning, and winning big time,” he said, speaking of SMART-TD’s results during his first term. “I’m proud of each and every one of [our members], and I’m proud of my team behind me. Thanks to your efforts, we still have two crew members on the train.”
“This union is winning on all accounts, across the board, including in arbitration, negotiations and mediation. We are the best union out there and that’s not just my thinking, that is a fact.
“Since the freight carriers went to war against us on day two of my administration, we’ve been on the offense,” he said. “Since the cities, county agencies and transit companies started trying to put things over on our essential operators, we have met them with strength.”
Transit union focused on assault prevention
Under Ferguson’s watch, SMART-TD formed the Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee, which is dedicated to stopping the epidemic of violence transit members face. Created in July 2023, BTAPS has made progress increasing the penalties for assaulting transportation workers. BTAPS is also negotiating to make working conditions for bus and transit workers safer through the installation of protective barriers and other measures.
Railroad union focused on safety and quality of life improvements
Ferguson was among the coalition of rail labor leaders who achieved paid sick time for railroad employees in 2022. Rail labor made considerable progress toward safety improvements during Ferguson’s first term, including the Federal Railroad Administration’s establishment of a two-person freight rail crew regulation.
Negotiations for the next national rail labor contract are scheduled to begin later this year.
TD President Jeremy Ferguson smiles at the Third SMART-TD Convention at Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas on Aug. 11.
Work ethic and integrity are Ferguson’s strengths
Don Zatteau, a delegate of Ferguson’s home local, made the initial nomination for Ferguson’s re-election. The motion received multiple seconds.
“His character and integrity are beyond reproach. His work ethic should be set as an example for this industry,” Zatteau said. “He lives and breathes this union, [it is] his heart and soul.”
Ferguson was challenged for the office by attorney Terry Smith, a member of Local 794 (Wellington, Kan.). Ferguson won re-election with 952 to 45 votes.
No changes among other top union officers
National Legislative Director Gregory Hynes (Local 1081, Phoenix, Ariz.) and Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity of Local 1377 (Russell, Ky.) were also returned to their position in uncontested elections.
All six Transportation Division rail Vice Presidents ran uncontested and were re-elected by acclamation.
They are:
Brent Leonard (Local 202, Denver, Colo.)
Chad Adams (Local 331, Temple, Texas)
Jamie Modesitt (Local 298, Garrett, Ind.)
Joe Lopez (Local 794, Wellington, Kan.)
Gary Crest (Local 807, Tucson, Ariz.)
Dave Wier Jr. (Local 469, Madison, Ill.)
Leonard was also returned to the successor president position by acclamation.
“We’ve defied expectations and proven our resilience,” he said.
Bus incumbents defeat challengers
SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President Alvy Hughes (Local 1596, Charlotte, N.C.) was challenged by Manuel Martinez of Local 1608 (Chatsworth, Calif.). Hughes won the election, 896-104.
SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval (Local 23, Santa Cruz, Calif.) was challenged by Alternate Vice President Richard Finley of Local 1558 (Bergenfield, N.J.). Sandoval retained his seat, 939-58.
Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity addresses the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas on Aug. 11.
Cassity returned by acclamation
Alt. National Legislative Director Jared Cassity was elected by acclamation.
“Our issues are not political – they’re either right or they’re wrong,” Cassity said, addressing the nation’s divided political climate that hinders progress on workers’ issues. “In this room, there are no political adversaries. Our issues are our issues and worth fighting for. Do not let someone else drive a wedge between you!”
Bus Department Alternate Vice President-elect Anthony Petty receives congratulations from SMART-TD Vice President Brent Leonard, right, during the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas on Aug. 11.
Bus Alternate Vice Presidents
Anthony Petty of Local 1594 (Upper Darby, Pa.) was elected to Bus Department Alternate VP — East by acclamation.
“I’m going to hit the ground running,” Petty said. “For the bus membership, we are going to be stronger. I’m proud to be part of this team.”
Incumbent Alt. Vice President — West Markeisha Haynes of Local 1785 (Santa Monica, Calif.) faced a challenge from longtime LACMTA bus operator Pedro “Pete” Lara of Local 1563 (El Monte, Calif.) and won the vote, 861-126.
Rail Alternate Vice Presidents
GCA-270 General Chairperson Edward W. “Chip” Waugh of Local 1258 (Elgin, Ill.), was elected to the ranks of TD international officers as an alternate vice president.
Alt. Vice President Anthony Simon (Local 645, Babylon, N.Y.) announced his retirement from his alternate VP position, creating a vacancy. He is continuing as general chairperson for GO 505 (Long Island Rail Road). GCA-721 General Chairperson Thomas Behsman of Local 64 (Waseca, Minn.), who works for CPKC, and GCA-270 General Chairperson Edward W. “Chip” Waugh of Local 1258 (Elgin, Ill.), who works on Metra, both sought to join the incumbent Transportation Division’s leadership, which included:
Scott Chelette (Local 1337, New Orleans, La.)
Larry Miller Jr. (Local 1841, Klamath, Ore.)
Chris Bartz (Local 1976, St. Paul, Minn.)
Tommy Gholson (Local 573, Danville, Ky.)
Luke Edington (Local 286, North Platte, Neb.)
The final vote tally saw Waugh joining the five incumbents.
Two new faces on SMART-TD Board of Appeals
Three incumbents on the SMART-TD Board of Appeals were returned to the board by acclamation. They are:
LCA-769A Chairperson Cole Czub of Local 898 (Boston, Mass.), a member of the BTAPS Committee, addresses the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas.
Tony McAdams (Local 1092, Teague, Texas) Road Service
Kevin Smith (Local 1813, Colton, Calif.) Yard Service
Tim Flynn Jr. (Local 832, Superior, Wis.) Engine Service
Brenda Moore (Local 1715, Charlotte, N.C.) retired from her role as the Bus Department’s representative on the Board of Appeals, and Rick Pauli did not run for re-election as the Commuter representative, leaving room for two new faces on the board.
Christine Ivey (Local 1785, Santa Monica, Calif.) ran unopposed as Moore’s replacement, and an election was held for two candidates for the Commuter Board of Appeals vacancy.
LCA-769A Chairperson Cole Czub of Local 898 (Boston, Mass.), a member of the BTAPS Committee, faced LCA-769 Chairperson Mike Buckley of Local 838 (Philadelphia, Pa.), and won his election.
Czub and Ivey assume their new roles Oct. 1.
The newly sworn-in officers pose for a group photo at the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., on Aug. 11, 2024.
