The Transportation Division Local Support Department plans a three-day training session for local treasurers in Cleveland from March 8 – 10, 2022.
Workshops will run 9 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. all three days. The sessions will help local treasurers hone their skills with TD Connect along with the electronic billing system and WinStabs. Additional topics may include maintaining payroll deductions, making proper disbursements, budgeting, record keeping, paying taxes and filing reports with authorities.
The sessions will include all training and materials at no cost to the local. However, the local is responsible for all other costs associated with the treasurer’s attendance at the workshop. Lost time or salary, travel, hotel and meal expenses connected with attendance may be reimbursed if pre-approved by the membership at the local meeting as an allowable expense of the local.
Training will take place in Hope Ballroom A, 3rd Floor of the Hilton — Cleveland Downtown, 100 Lakeside Ave. East, in Cleveland.
To address the growing safety concerns of our membership, we have implemented a universal Safety Condition Report that is now available on the SMART-TD website for all members to use. This form will become the primary tool to report and collect data concerning unsafe working conditions, including COVID-19 issues, from all members. Organizational information such as Craft, Local, Carrier, State Legislative Director and General Committee are loaded based on a member’s selection using defined database values, ensuring an accurate submission so that the officers responsible for acting on the report are directly and timely informed. Members are presented a default list of safety hazards (including COVID-19) to choose along with identifying the state and location of the unsafe condition. Additionally, the form will dynamically update based on the members’ input, creating a customized report. After submission, an automated email to the General Chairperson and State Legislative Director with jurisdiction is sent as an initial notification. Full details of the Safety Condition Report are then accessed by these officers via the TD Connect portal along with printing and exporting capabilities for further collaboration with Local officers so that the unsafe conditions can be addressed. Rail members, please note: The Railroad Technology Event report remains as a separate reporting mechanism due to the amount of detail and complexities that topic requires. It is important to note that the data collected by this Safety Condition Report and the information within are kept and used solely within our SMART Union computer system and are used by SMART-TD officers to assist in addressing the issues presented by members. “Membership safety and well-being is a founding principal of this Union, but we cannot assist without being properly informed of the unsafe issues facing our fellow brothers and sisters.” SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson stated. “These reports are to enhance our safety efforts as many carriers lack proper and effective reporting mechanisms. Our SMART Constitution lists safety as our local legislative representatives’ primary mission, stating ‘They shall report to their Locals regarding the handling of all alleged unsafe or unsanitary working conditions found to exist, or reported to them, within their jurisdiction. They shall undertake to correct such conditions through appropriate measures consistent with the local and national policies of the Transportation Division.’ Therefore, we ask that you also forward this information as soon as possible to your local legislative representative or other SMART Union officer for proper handling. If you are unsure who they are or how to contact them, please contact our office. “It is imperative that we all accept the personal responsibility to properly document known unsafe conditions, acts and security concerns. If more people would take the time to do this we could, over time, address most of the long-standing concerns we have. Without documentation, nothing will ever change — the issues and concerns will continue to remain and often grow until a very unfortunate situation such as an injury, accident or fatality brings to light what many knew was a problem long ago but failed to address.” The union’s chief of staff hopes that the use of this form brings hazards that have been taken for granted or tolerated by workers to light. “Sadly, we hear one particular scenario too often,” SMART-TD Chief of Staff Jerry Gibson said. “Someone says, ‘That has been an issue for a long time’ or ‘Everyone knows that is a problem’ at a particular property. Yet everyone assumes that someone else has written the unsafe condition up and unfortunately, no one has. The issue remains and the carriers use that against us by stating the very same thing — ‘That has been like that forever, and no one has said anything or taken issue with it.’ “This online reporting process is here to change that. Your union’s leadership wants to raise our safety standards. The carriers will no longer be allowed to dictate our level of personal safety … enough is enough. Only when we, as a collective group, choose to properly address our issues and concerns can we expect others to comply with those demands. It is the charge of the carrier to provide us with the proper training, security and safe work environment while doing so … and we will hold them accountable.” The Safety Condition Report is accessible directly from the SMART-TD home page as both a banner and as a menu item — look for the blinking yellow caution signal. “Please assist us with assisting you,” President Ferguson said. “All of our members deserve safe working conditions on the job and to return home safely. If there is an issue you want to report — report it.”
Because of continued demand, a workshop has been scheduled in March to help local treasurers learn how to use TD Connect, the new eBilling system that also manages member records. Numerous workshops scheduled in late 2018 and early this year filled to capacity. Follow the link below to register. Register online for the March 19-21 TD Connect workshop in Cleveland. The workshop registration deadline is March 13, 2019. A flier is available with additional information about accommodations and the workshops(PDF). Attendees are responsible for arranging their own travel and hotel rooms. Visit this link for a list of discounts available in the area. The workshop sessions will run from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on all three days in the first-floor training room at the SMART Transportation Division office, 24950 Country Club Blvd., North Olmsted, Ohio. For any additional information about the workshop, please call Alyssa Patchin at 216-227-5281 or email apatchin@smart-union.org.
Because of great demand, a new round of workshops has been added to help local treasurers learn how to use TD Connect, the new eBilling system that also manages member records. A series of five prior workshops scheduled for late 2018 filled to capacity. A second round was added, and one workshop already has been filled. Follow the links below to register. Workshops are scheduled for:
January 7, 8 & 9, 2019 – Kansas City, Mo. at the Drury Inn and Suites, 7900 Northwest Tiffany Springs, Kansas City, MO 64153. WORKSHOP FILLED — waitlist available. Treasurers are encouraged to register for one of the two other workshops listed below.
February 11, 12 & 13, 2019 – Salt Lake City, Utah at the Double Tree by Hilton Salt Lake City Airport, 5151 Wiley Post Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. The workshop will be in the Bryce Room. Registration deadline is Feb. 4, 2019.
A flier is available with additional information about hotel rates and the workshops (PDF). Attendees also are asked to complete the online TD Connect Overview workshop before the first day. Workshops will run 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. all three days and will educate local treasurers about the new TD Connect eBill system along with the newest version of WinStabs. Additional topics may include: maintaining payroll deductions, making proper disbursements, budgeting, record keeping, paying taxes and filing reports with authorities. Attendance for each workshop is limited and spaces will be filled on a first-come basis. A waitlist will be made available for those interested in attending a workshop once one has been filled. Contact Alyssa Patchin at the TD offices to be placed on the list. The sessions will include all training and materials at no cost to the local. However, the local is responsible for all other costs associated with the treasurer’s attendance at the workshop. Lost time or salary, travel, hotel and meal expenses connected with attendance may be reimbursed if pre-approved by the membership at the local meeting as an allowable expense of the local. For more information or to be placed on a workshop waitlist, call Alyssa Patchin at the TD offices or email apatchin@smart-union.org.
Registration has opened for local treasurers who are interested in attending workshops where they will learn how to use the new TD Connect system to manage member records and to work the new eBill before the system’s Jan. 1, 2019, rollout. Follow the links below to register. Workshops are scheduled:
November 5, 6 & 7, 2018 – Kansas City, Mo.
SESSION FULL – REGISTRATION CLOSED, SEE BELOW FOR WAITLIST INFO; hotel registration deadline is Oct. 12.
November 7, 8 & 9, 2018 – Kansas City, Mo. (second session)
SESSION FULL – REGISTRATION CLOSED, SEE BELOW FOR WAITLIST INFO; hotel reservation deadline is Oct. 12.
November 12, 13 & 14, 2018 – Birmingham, Ala.<
SESSION FULL – REGISTRATION CLOSED, SEE BELOW FOR WAITLIST INFO.
November 27, 28 & 29, 2018 – Rosemead, Calif.
SESSION FULL – REGISTRATION CLOSED, SEE BELOW FOR WAITLIST INFO. Workshops will run 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. all three days and will prepare local treasurers for the launch of the new TD Connect and eBill system along with the newest version of WinStabs. Additional topics may include: maintaining payroll deductions, making proper disbursements, budgeting, record keeping, paying taxes and filing reports with authorities. Attendance for each workshop is limited and spaces will be filled on a first-come basis. A waitlist is available for those interested in attending a workshop that has been filled. Contact Alyssa Patchin at the TD offices to be placed on the list. The sessions will include all training and materials at no cost to the local. However, the local is responsible for all other costs associated with the treasurer’s attendance at the workshop. Lost time or salary, travel, hotel and meal expenses connected with attendance may be reimbursed if pre-approved by the membership at the local meeting as an allowable expense of the local. Click here for a flier with specific workshop details, including location and hotel information. For more information or to be placed on a workshop waitlist, call Alyssa Patchin at the TD offices or email apatchin@smart-union.org.
We’re closer to the rollout of the new TD Connect eBill system. Will you be ready?
The TD Connect eBill system is going to save treasurers valuable time and energy when it rolls out this coming January. With this paperless eBill system, the entire processing and submitting of the monthly bill is completed online in TD Connect.
A fall workshop schedule has been set up for S&Ts to learn how to use the new TD Connect system. Dates are:
Oct. 8, 9 & 10 – New Haven, CT
Nov. 5, 6 & 7 – Kansas City, MO
Nov. 12, 13 & 14 – Birmingham, AL
November 27, 28 & 29 – Rosemead, CA
Sessions will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days and details about the locations will be provided soon. Attendance is limited to 30 registrants and will be accepted on a first-come basis. The three-day sessions will include all training and materials at no cost to the local. However, the local is responsible for all other costs associated with the treasurer’s attendance at the workshop. Lost time or salary, travel, hotel and meal expenses connected with attendance may be reimbursed if pre-approved by the membership at the local meeting as an allowable expense of the local. Help us plan accordingly and complete a workshop interest form so you can be among the first notified with location-specific details.
Handling E-49 in TD Connect
This new system has built-in logic that will help treasurers apply dues in compliance with Article 21B of the SMART Constitution.
For E-49 (dues exempt) status, the new TD Connect eBill system automatically flags members who did not provide dues payments when dues were received the month prior. The eBill system then requires a date that the member last worked to be entered in order to proceed.
Conversely, if a dues payment is received from a member who had been designated the month before as having an E-49 status, then that member will be flagged as an active member and a return-to-service date will be required in order to proceed.
The TD Connect system will calculate dues owed by the member once those required dates are entered.
The SMART Constitution requires (Article 21B, Section 49) that the Local Treasurer, President and Chairman monitor closely which members have E-49 status. Fulfilling this requirement and keeping track of these dates will make everyone’s job a bit easier. Members who are in E-49 status are required by the Constitution to complete, sign and turn in the E-49 form to the Local S&T, Local Treasurer or Local Chairperson.
A quick quiz for E-49: Q: A member goes into active military service on July 20, 2018. When would that member qualify for exempt status?
A: September 2018.
Q: That same member then returns to the job on November 29, 2018. When would the member be required to pay dues again?
A: December 2018.
Questions about the S&T’s roles and responsibilities?
Call the Field Support Help Desk at 216-227-5444. Drop-in help desk hours are 9a-5p (Central Time) M-W-F. Help desk appointments can be scheduled in advance for Tuesdays, Thursdays, weekends and evenings. Call or email fieldauditor@group. smart-union.org to schedule an appointment.
All 2018 paper (aka green-bar) bills must be submitted to TD prior to gaining access to eBill. We recommend working through your December 2018 bill as soon as possible. Do not wait until the December 20th deadline!
Local Treasurers must work to clear outstanding member variances.
Local Treasurers must work to develop a system between your members, local chairmen, local president and local treasurer to gather dates required to process E-49 statuses.
Locals must notify TD with dues rates
For proper record keeping and member maintenance, your local dues rates must match the SMART Transportation Division record in iLink. The structure consists of:
International (TD) dues
State legislative dues
General committee (GCA) dues
Local dues
Local committee of adjustment (LCA) dues
If the dues rates in WinStabs and iLink do not match, it will cause issues with your monthly billing.
Your dues structure can be checked through iLink by going to MEMBERSHIP > REPORTS > DUES SUMMARY REPORT. If the dues levels for the international, state or GCA are not the same as what is reflected in iLink, then WinStabs would need to be updated, and you should contact the Field Audit Help Desk at fieldauditor@group.smart-union.org for assistance.
If the local or LCA dues levels are not the same as those shown in iLink, then the TD offices need to be receive an update. Please notify the Updating Department by calling 216-228-9400 or emailing Dora Wolf at dwolf@smart-union.org to get the discrepancy resolved.
If you have questions regarding the proper process for changing your dues rate or implementing assessments, contact the TD President’s Department at 216-228-9400.
Ask an Auditor
Q: We have a future meeting that falls on a holiday. The TD Constitution mentions that a quorum is required to switch the meeting time. How do we go about doing this?
In Article 21B, Section 55 of the SMART Constitution, it says that a quorum consisting of five (5) members in good standing is required for a transaction of business. If you have a regular or special meeting and a quorum of members is present, then a majority of the quorum would be required to carry a motion that approves the meeting schedule change on a one-time basis. This can be done informally through a show of hands.
Provided the motion to change the meeting date carries, “reasonable” notice should then be posted at all locations where affected members report for duty. “Reasonable,” according to the SMART Constitution, is at least five (5) days, but additional notice is always a good idea for people to rearrange their schedules, especially around a holiday. Posting the notice immediately after the meeting in which the change has been made wouldn’t be a bad thing to do.
If a local’s scheduled meeting does get changed, please notify the TD President’s Department of the new schedule. A new member or one who is returning to service could call the TD office asking about his or her local’s meeting schedule, and we would then be able to pass the information along.
Local treasurers will have a chance to learn how to use the new TD Connect system to manage member records and to work the new eBill before the system’s Jan. 1, 2019, rollout at a series of workshops planned this fall. Workshops are scheduled:
Workshops will run 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. all three days, and additional location-specific details will be provided once available. The three-day sessions will prepare local treasurers for the launch of the new TD Connect and eBill system along with the newest version of WinStabs. Additional topics may include: maintaining payroll deductions, making proper disbursements, budgeting, record keeping, paying taxes and filing reports with authorities. Attendance is limited to 30 registrants and spaces will be filled on a first-come basis. The sessions will include all training and materials at no cost to the local. However, the local is responsible for all other costs associated with the treasurer’s attendance at the workshop. Lost time or salary, travel, hotel and meal expenses connected with attendance may be reimbursed if pre-approved by the membership at the local meeting as an allowable expense of the local. Help us plan accordingly and complete the workshop interest form to be among the first notified with location-specific details. Click here for a printable workshop flyer. For more information, call Alyssa Patchin at the TD offices or email apatchin@smart-union.org.
Because of great demand, a new round of workshops has been added to help local treasurers learn how to use TD Connect, the new eBilling system that also manages member records. A series of five prior workshops scheduled for late 2018 filled to capacity. A second round was added, and one workshop already has been filled. Follow the links below to register.
