United for two-person crews and our members’ rights on BNSF

As the SMART Transportation Division’s general chairpersons representing SMART-TD’s BNSF properties, we want to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to our members.

Recently, an article from the World Socialist Website (WSWS) suggested that the general chairpersons from the BNSF General Committees and by extension the union has turned our backs on the fight for two-person freight train crews. Let us be crystal clear: SMART-TD and the leadership of every general committee representing BNSF crews are resolutely dedicated to this cause, and we stand shoulder to shoulder in this ongoing battle for the livelihoods and safety of our members.

On April 2, 2024, we celebrated a pivotal achievement in our union’s history with the announcement from DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg regarding the final rule from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that secures two-person crews across the nation. This monumental victory was not achieved overnight, and as the General Committees of the largest railroad in the country, we would like to think we were a big part of the effort to amplify your voices. The 2PC final ruling was the result of relentless effort and dedication from every member of this union, and we were a dedicated part of this historic effort.

To abandon this critical protection, which we have fought so hard to establish, would be simply unacceptable and something that not one of our General Committees would ever consider doing.

In less than two years, our union has accomplished significant milestones for our BNSF members, as well as our colleagues across the majority of Class I railroads. These victories include the introduction of paid sick days — an unprecedented achievement in American railroading — as well as improvements to vacation time and structured work schedules.

Most importantly, we, as your General Committee Chairpersons, continue to advocate fiercely for the requirement of at least two certified rail professionals on every freight train.

Our progress speaks volumes. We fight for our members daily and achieve consistent wins. The narrative presented by the WSWS is not only misleading but aims to undermine the hard-won victories we’ve secured together.

We assume the wording at the core of this confusion comes from the Section 6 Notices as proposed by BNSF. If the socialist website is focused on that verbiage, they don’t have a good understanding of how railroad contract negotiations work. This is not a cloak-and-dagger process with the terms hidden from members’ view.

Every BNSF member is not only given a copy of the Tentative Agreement but encouraged to read it carefully and come to their local and general committee officers with all questions and concerns. At the end of the day, our GCs’ goal is for all members to understand this agreement to the letter and vote up or down based on whether they feel it is the best option for them and the families that depend on them.

To those who might have taken the WSWS’s claims at face value, we urge you to question the source. As we all know from past experiences, when the WSWS starts talking about your Tentative Agreement, it’s as self-serving as when management throws a pizza party! We know a shakedown is coming in the next system bulletin.

These outside agitators claim to understand our struggles, but they are only motivated by clicks and attention, not anything close to a genuine concern for our welfare.

In their own words, the WSWS identifies itself with terms like “Marxist,” “world socialism,” and “revolutionary opposition to capitalism.” Such rhetoric holds little relevance to our day-to-day lives as railroaders, and there is no reason to give their opinions any credence when it comes to our union and the representation of your and your loved ones’ interests.

We assure you that SMART-TD and your General Committees continue to lead the fight against single-person crews. Our mission remains focused on advocating for the safety, rights, and dignity of every member we represent. We will not be deterred by mischaracterizations or misguided claims about our direction.

As we move forward, let us celebrate the progress we’ve made together as a united front and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we are stronger! Our commitment to two-person crews is unwavering, and the tentative agreement being voted on DOES NOT GIVE 2PC away!

As your representatives, it is our job and our mission to advocate for you. Our fight for two-person crews is not just a policy issue; it’s about the safety and well-being of our members. We will not rest until every freight train is staffed with the crew it needs to operate safely and effectively.

We are proud to stand with you in this fight and every fight that will come our way in the future.