It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of SMART-TD member and Union Pacific Conductor Phillip Araujo. As recently reported, he and his engineer, Clay Burt, lost their lives when their train collided with a tractor-trailer in Pecos City, Texas. Brother Ryan Monts of BLET Division 212 has started a GoFundMe account to support the families of Araujo and Brother Burt.
The Recruitment and Retention, Roofing and Building Enclosure, and Production Workers and Sign Councils met in Cathedral City, California, in December 2024. Dubbed the “Three Pack Attack,” the council meetings convened sheet metal and transportation leaders from all over North America to focus on both holistic challenges and specific industry landscapes.
A collision between a Union Pacific train and a tractor-trailer in Pecos, Texas, on December 18 resulted in the deaths of two railroad workers. SMART-TD extends condolences to the victims' families and to Local 823 in their time of grieving.
After years of work, SMART-TD's Safety and Legislative Department is celebrating the passage of the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness Act (REEF). With today's vote, our members have succeeded in righting a wrong that imposed an unfair and unintended tax on railroader retirement benefits.
Brother Ty Dragoo, SMART-TD Kansas Legislative Director and Chairman, has been elected to lead Working Kansas Alliance (WKA), which represents more than 500,000 workers throughout the state. Focused on working across party lines to get things done, Brother Dragoo is committed to advocating for issues that affect SMART-TD members and the entire labor movement at the state legislature.
SMART-TD responds to UP selling off our members' jobs to a nonunion short line: “Union Pacific’s move in Oregon is just the latest example of how our country is literally getting 'railroaded' by the sharks on Wall Street. The workers on the ground, the businesses, and the communities that rely on these services will pay the price for this callous disregard for safety.” TD President Jeremy Ferguson
SMART-TD conductor Brandon LaBombard saved two lives after a chain-reaction of accidents at an icy Michigan grade crossing. Disaster struck mid-train, without any indication in the head end. Eagle-eyed LaBombard witnessed the accident and was able to take heroic action, again proving the value of a two-person freight crew.
The Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Congressmen Troy Nehls aims to improve railroad safety by mandating minimum crew sizes, limiting train lengths, and enforcing stricter safety inspections. We need your help to tell your member of congress to get behind this bill.
Local Chairperson from 1518, Steve Bryant was taken from us suddenly on Dec. 4th. An online fundraiser has been established to assist his wife and family in their time of loss.
