Strong Team Smooths Transition for New Local 406

A New Beginning for a Strong Group of Railroaders

SMART-TD welcomes our newest property, Local 406, out of Missoula, Montana. This local represents 125 members who were formerly working on the Montana Rail Link short-line railroad. BNSF officially took over the line on January 1, 2024. 
 
“It was unsettling leading up to that date,” Local 406 Vice Chair Jason Tresner remembered. “Not knowing what the future holds…there was a lot of uncertainty.”  

From Confusion to Confidence 

During the transition from Montana Rail Link to BNSF, our new members faced a whirlwind of changes.  

Local Chairperson Bryan Trimbo explained that “In a short time, we had to learn a brand-new operating system, a new rulebook, new computer systems, how to tie up our time sheets: you name it,” Trimbo said. 

Secretary Treasurer Josh Olson added, “Those first few days, our guys weren’t sure about much of anything, including how much we were getting paid.” 

Montana Rail Link was represented by the BLE, and SMART-TD wasn’t even allowed on the property. When BNSF took over, these brothers and sisters had a choice to make, and many chose SMART-TD. 

SMART-TD Creates Experienced Transition Team  

As the takeover approached, Olson remembers being told that “SMART reps were arrogant and not to be trusted. But that turned out to be the furthest thing from the truth.” 

Led by organizer Pete Trotta from Local 426, a team of experienced BNSF workers stepped in to guide the transitioning crew base. The new members were temporarily brought into Local 426 to get up to speed while they laid the foundation for the new Local 406. The members of 426 answered questions, explained BNSF’s systems, and helped members adjust to BNSF’s way of doing things. 

Members Helping Members: That’s Union 

“Pete and his team really took us under their wing,” said Olson. “You could tell they wanted us to succeed.” 

Tresner felt the same way.  

“We had a lot of great conversations, and the amount of knowledge that comes from these gentlemen is amazing to me. I’m speaking to somebody who knows what they’re talking about. They were very open and knowledgeable. If they didn’t have the answer, they didn’t make up an answer. They waited until they knew.”  
 
Trotta was equally happy to welcome new members. 
 
“We cared,” said Trotta. “These guys might not have known the BNSF systems yet, and they might have been BLE members, but they were railroaders just like us. Helping them was just the right thing to do.” 

Coaching and Tools Ease the Transition 

Trimbo, Olson, and others helped their former BLE members through the transition by building a website, making how-to videos, and coaching one another on the ins and outs of working under BNSF. 

Whether it was filing claims or understanding new rules, the transition team made sure no one was left behind. Trimbo put it like this, “You can’t play in the big sandbox with small toys and think it’s going to work out.”  

A Proud Start for Local 406 

Local 406 held their first official meeting on May 6, 2025. SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson and Vice President Chad Adams traveled to Missoula to swear in the new officers and celebrate these railroaders’ progress. 

“This group has gone through a lot over the past 16 months, but their teamwork, drive to learn, and support for each other have made them stronger. I couldn’t be more proud to have SMART-TD Local 406 and this group of officers in the fold,” Ferguson said of his experience in Missoula.  

In June, Local Chairperson Bryan Trimbo, Secretary Treasurer Josh Olson, and Local President Joe Garland will attend the SMART-TD Regional Training Seminar in Denver, Colorado. They’re excited to continue learning how to run their Local and represent members the SMART-TD way. 
 
“We are all very happy that SMART-TD is listening to the concerns that we do have,” said Tresner. “It’s very reassuring to know that they’re listening and they want to make sure that we’re happy, too. It’s something that we never really necessarily had in the past.” 

Welcome to the union, Local 406. We’re proud to stand with you.