News Archive
FRA Issues Grade-Crossing Safety Advisory
The FRA has issued Safety Advisory 2025-02 following several tragic shove-movement accidents, emphasizing the need for railroads to strengthen protections, visibility assessments, and operational practices at passively protected grade crossings. Read on to see how these recommendations call on carriers to improve rules and safeguards, but also to revamp and increase Operational Testing.
Amtrak To Give SMART-TD Members Holiday Bonuses
Amtrak’s Board has ended its executives-only bonus system and will instead provide $900 holiday bonuses to more than 18,000 front-line employees. Read on to see how this marks a turning point for SMART-TD members, recognizing their essential role in delivering Amtrak’s record-setting year.
Federal judge orders release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration detention — General President Coleman responds
On December 11, 2025, a federal judge ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration detention. Read SMART General President Michael Coleman's statement in response.
SEPTA Strike Avoided: Strong Agreement Secured
After months of difficult negotiations on the brink of a strike, the members of SMART-TD Local 1594 (Upper Darby, PA) achieved a new tentative agreement with SEPTA. The TA brings SMART-TD members’ benefits in parity with others on the property and protects operators from self-driving transit for the life of the agreement and beyond. Read on to learn more about this hard-won victory.
DC attorney general secures $1.5 million from construction company for wage theft, worker misclassification
On December 9, 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced that “Brothers Mechanical Inc., a construction company that has worked on large development projects in NoMa, Navy Yard, and other DC neighborhoods, will pay $1.5 million to resolve allegations that the company and its subcontractors misclassified hundreds of workers as independent contractors.”
Posthumous Retirement Ceremony Honors Lost Brother
Brother Thomas D. Hein (Local 1190) passed away 11 months before his scheduled retirement date. As a longtime and dedicated member, his union family was determined that a longstanding retirement tradition would continue. Read on to hear how they made it happen while showing what being a family is all about.
SMART-TD: Built by Members, Driven by Your Voice
Starting today, members may receive an e-mail or text from the National Safety & Legislative Department with a link to a confidential, anonymous survey conducted by a trusted third-party partner. If you receive the survey, please complete it to help us better serve you. Read on for details.
Conductor, Volunteer Firefighter Injured and Needs our Help
While responding to a call as a volunteer firefighter, Brother Chris Brick (Local 316) suffered serious injuries to his face and head. Currently in the ICU, he will require multiple surgeries and needs to have his jaw wired shut. He and his family need our support as he recovers. Read on to learn how you can help our union brother in need.