Union Support Available for Members Affected by Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania Flooding

May 14, 2025

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Widespread flash flooding has recently devastated communities across Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, prompting emergency evacuations, school closures, road damage, and widespread power outages. Heavy rains caused rapid rises in water levels, overwhelming local infrastructure and placing residents, including our SMART-TD brothers and sisters, in difficult and dangerous situations. 

SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund: Here to Help Our Members 

SMART-TD recognizes the toll that natural disasters take on the lives and livelihoods of transportation workers and their families. As part of our ongoing commitment to stand by our members during their most challenging times, we want to remind those affected by these floods that the SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund is available to provide direct assistance. 

Members who have experienced personal loss or displacement due to the flooding are encouraged to apply for financial support. Our union’s fund has helped hundreds of members recover from natural disasters in the past, including wildfires, hurricanes, and major storms, and we are ready to do it again. 

To apply for relief: 

  • Visit the Disaster Relief section of the SMART-TD website: 
    Disaster Relief – SMART Union 
  • Contact your Local Chairperson or General Chairperson for assistance with the application process. 
  • Members can also reach out to the SMART-TD headquarters at (216) 228-9400, if additional help is needed navigating the process. 

SMART-TD is committed to making sure our members get the resources they need when disaster strikes. 

Any donations will help lessen the struggle and bring real hope and relief to SMART-TD members who are suffering. SMART-TD will administer donations sent to the SMART TD Disaster Relief Fund when the need arises across the country. 

Contributions may be sent and made payable to: 

SMART TD Disaster Relief Fund 
6060 Rockside Woods Blvd., N., Suite 325 
Independence, OH 44131-2378 

Additional Resources: Company-Specific Disaster Relief Programs 

In addition to the SMART-TD fund, rail members employed by certain carriers may also be eligible for aid through their employer-sponsored disaster programs. Below is an overview of two such programs for members working with CSX and Norfolk Southern. 

CSX Employees Disaster Relief Fund (EDRF) 

The CSX Employees Disaster Relief Fund offers short-term financial support to employees and their dependents affected by natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and fires. 

How to apply: 

  • Log into the CSX Gateway and search for “EDRF application.” 
  • Select the appropriate application based on your situation (natural disaster or medical emergency). 
  • All requests are reviewed by a board, and awards may reach up to $10,000 depending on need and available funding.

Contact Information:

Norfolk Southern Employees Disaster Relief Fund 

NS recently launched the Employee Hardship Program to support employees experiencing eligible financial challenges. These may include natural disasters—such as hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes—that result in short-term evacuation or long-term recovery, as well as personal financial challenges such as unexpected medical conditions, domestic violence, crime, or the death of a loved one. 

Through this program, eligible employees may receive up to $2,500 per year in financial assistance. For details on eligibility requirements, how to apply, and the documentation required, employees can reach out to NSCommunityImpact@nscorp.com. 

We Stand Together

SMART-TD extends its solidarity and support to all members and families impacted by the flooding. We are here for you. Whether through our union’s relief fund or company resources, help is available. If you are in need, do not hesitate to reach out. 

Stay safe. Stay strong. And know that you are not alone.