Transportation News

Visit the digital archive of the SMART-TD News (PDFs)

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Brother Daniel A. May

Our union mourns the loss of Brother Daniel A. May, who passed away on May 5 at the age of 80. A member of Local 1433, he followed in the footsteps of his father and began his career as a brakeman in the Bensenville Yard. Read on to hear some of his family’s most treasured memories about his remarkable life.

Championing Rail and Transit Safety from Coast to Coast

From coast to coast, SMART-TD has racked up an impressive number of safety-centered state legislative wins. Our momentum is a direct result of our members’ tireless advocacy and our army of safety and legislative directors’ commitment to looking out for our collective best interests. Read on to find out which states have new laws on the books and what it took to make them a reality.

Potential NJ Transit Strike: What SMART-TD Members Need to Know

Major service disruptions are looming across New York and New Jersey if the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) go on strike at New Jersey Transit (NJT) on Friday morning. Read on to learn what critical information SMART-TD members who work for NJT need to know.

Support Brother Michael Garcia After a Tragic Loss

Brother Mike Garcia of Local 1422 (Los Angeles, California) and his wife, Tamara Ortiz, lost their three beloved children Cole (17), Trent (15), and Sailor (10) in a car accident. In Southern California, Mike is known as a pillar of strength and someone his union brothers and sisters can always depend on. Today, he and his family need that same strength and support returned. Read on for more information about how you can help.

Alabama Port Authority learns a lesson in solidarity 

The members of SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) Local 598 taught the Alabama Port Authority a thing or two about collective bargaining. 598 resisted efforts to divide and conquer, to ultimately secure an agreement that ensures major gains in wages, benefits, and crew consist protections. The local overwhelmingly ratified the hard-fought tentative agreement (TA).

In Loving Memory of Donald H. Wolff II

SMART-TD mourns the loss of Brother Donald H. Wolff II, a devoted railroad professional and Local 903 Chairperson of the Florida East Coast (FEC) railroad, whose unwavering integrity, leadership, and dedication to his fellow union members left a profound impact across the industry. Remembered as a man of unmatched character, Don’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the causes he supported, and the strength with which he served.

Railroad Safety Day on the Hill 2025 

This week, SMART-TD led a record-breaking Railroad Day on the Hill, uniting 13 rail unions for over 130 meetings with lawmakers to advocate for rail safety and workers’ rights. Read on to see why this TD-led event is hailed for its strategic coordination and real-world impact.