Members’ toolbox
Notified you are under investigation? Wish to file a grievance? Membership rights question? Below are some FAQs you might find helpful.
Membership Questions
Q. I have been notified that I am under investigation. What should I do?
Consult your local chairperson immediately. Read the publication You Are Hereby Notified
Q. Where can I view a copy of the latest national railroad agreement?
Click here to view the latest national railroad agreement
Q. To what local do I belong and when and where does it meet?
If you do not know your local number, it can be found to the right of your name on the SMART Transportation Division News address label. You also can click here to be directed to a directory of SMART TD locals listed by state. Or, click here to be directed to a directory where all locals are listed, including meeting times, locations and local officers. If none of these options work, call SMART TD headquarters at (216) 228-9400 and ask to be connected to the Directory Administrator at Ext. 3908.
Q. Who is my local chairperson and how can I contact him or her?
Click here to be directed to an online directory of local officers and contact information.
Q. Who is my general chairperson and how can I contact him or her?
Click here to be directed to an online directory of railroad General Committee officers and contact information. Click here to be directed to an online directory of bus General Committee officers and contact information. Click here to be directed to an online directory of airline General Committee officers and contact information.
Q. Who is my state legislative director and how can I contact him or her?
Q. Who is my UTUIA field supervisor and how can I contact him or her?
Q. Who are the officers of the SMART TD headquarters and how can I contact them?
Q. What is the SMART TD Transportation Safety Team and how can I contact its members?
Q. What is the SMART TD Railroad Safety Task Force and how can I contact them?
Q. What is the SMART TD Human Rights Committee and how can I contact them?
Q. I would like to apply for membership in the SMART TD or have my prior membership reinstated. How can that be accomplished?
Application for membership Application for re-admission
Q. Where can I view the SMART Constitution?
Click here to view the SMART Constitution
Q. Where can I view the UTU Constitution?
Click here to view the UTU Constitution
Representation Questions
Q. I have been notified that I am under investigation. What should I do?
Consult your local chairperson immediately. Read the publication You Are Hereby Notified.
Q: I have concerns about unsafe working conditions. To whom do I express my concerns?
You should first contact your local legislative representative and/or your local chairperson. A list of those individuals can be found by clicking here.
Q: I was injured on the job. What should I know?
SMART TD has produced a booklet, “How to Protect your Rights when Injured on the Job,” that can answer most of your questions. You can view that booklet by clicking here.
Q: What are SMART TD Designated Legal Counsel? Why would I need their services?
Click here to be directed to a webpage that describes your rights under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act and why you should contact a SMART TD Designated Legal Counsel if you believe you have a FELA claim against your employer.
Click here to be directed to a directory of SMART TD Designated Legal Counsel.
Q: What are my rights with regard to employer retaliation? How will I be protected if I report allegations of fraud, waste or abuse by my employer?
You are protected by federal law from employer retaliation when you make such reports. These “whistleblower” protections are described in this article.
Q: I have a grievance against my employer. What do I do?
You first should talk over your predicament with your local chairperson. Click here to be directed to an online directory of SMART TD locals and local officers.
Q: I am a local officer and need help to support a grievance. How can SMART TD headquarters help me?
Click here to be directed to the awards and agreements page of the SMART TD website. There you will be able to search a vast database of grievances and awards that you can use to help build your case.
You may also click here to be directed to the National Mediation Board’s “Knowledge Store” which is a searchable database of awards and agreements.
Q: I would like to search railroad agreements by text. Is that possible?
Yes. Click here.
Q: Can I view information on pay rates, fringe benefits, the Railway Labor Act and yardmaster
agreements on this site?
Yes. Click here.
Q: I have questions about drug and alcohol testing. Where can I learn more?
Click here to be directed to information about federal drug and alcohol testing rules and procedures, post-accident testing, and more.
Benefit questions
Q: What is the United Transportation Union Insurance Association (UTUIA)? What insurance and investment products are offered?
Click here to be directed to the UTUIA website.
Q: What is the Discipline Income Protection Program? What are the benefits of enrollment?
Click here to be directed to the Discipline Income Protection Program’s webpage. There you will find a description of the program, an explanation of benefits, and an application form.
Q: How can I contact a UTUIA field supervisor to receive information on the many insurance and investment products offered by the UTUIA?
Click here to be directed to that information.
Q: What is the disability insurance I pay for through the SMART TD headquarters? What are the benefits? How do I make a claim?
If you are a railroad worker, click here to be directed to a webpage that describes the national group voluntary short-term disability insurance plan. On that page, you can view a description of benefits, see a list of frequently asked questions and instructions for filing a claim, and download a claim form.
If you are a bus worker, click here to be directed to a webpage that describes the national group voluntary short-term disability insurance plan. On that page you can view a description of benefits, see a list of frequently asked questions and instructions for filing a claim, and download a claim form.
Miscellaneous questions
Q: I know of a group of workers who would benefit from membership in SMART TD. How do I contact a union organizer?
Click here to be directed to a list of organizers.
Q: I would like to start contributing or increase my contributions to my union’s political action committee (TD PAC). How do I do that?
Click here to be directed to the TD PAC page. More information about TD PAC or a pledge form can be obtained from your local secretary or treasurer.
Q: My payroll deduction is incorrect. Who do I contact to get it straightened out?
Contact your local treasurer by clicking here.
Q: How are my union dues divided and spent?
Click here to be directed to a webpage that explains how your union dues are utilized.
Q: I am a local secretary/treasurer and need assistance with my billings. How can SMART TD headquarters help me?
Call SMART TD headquarters at (216) 228-9400 and ask to be connected to the Field Audit Support Desk. Or, email “fieldauditor@group.smart-union.org.”