Amtrak Operating Unions Gather in Maryland

SMART-TD Local 1470 (Edmonston, MD) with support from the Maryland Safety and Legislative Board, hosted Railroad Solidarity Day. Held in Schrom Hills Park in Greenbelt, Md., Solidarity Day was organized by 1470’s Vice Safety and Legislative Representative, Trena Few and Brother Torryn James.  It featured great food, music, dancing, and the kind of camaraderie that only union solidarity can inspire.  

The event built solidarity between Amtrak’s operating unions in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, areas. Members from multiple unions bonded through shared activities, including SMART-TD, BLET’s Division 482, and Unite Here Local 23.  

Sister Few shared why activities like this are important, “as railroaders in various unions, we stand side-by-side every day in the fight for safety, fairness, and dignity on the job.  But events like this remind us that our unity is also built in moments of fellowship and goodwill. When we take the time to gather outside of the fight, we strengthen the personal bonds and open the lines of communication that make us stronger in every challenge we face together as rail labor.” 

Maryland SLD Pendleton says our Board was proud to support Sister Few and Brother James in their efforts to bring together all of Amtrak’s Rail Labor to celebrate each other and salutes them for their success in doing so.  Their hard work, dedication and leadership is greatly appreciated. 

Local 1470 and the Maryland Safety & Legislative Board wants to thank SMART-TD National Safety and Legislative Director Jared Cassity for attending and showing his continued support for Maryland members, their families, and the enduring spirit of solidarity that keeps our movement strong. 

The festivities were sponsored by SMART-TD Designated Legal Counsel, Matt Darby – The Darby Law Group, BRCF, Railroad Generations, and the Steven P. Vann Foundation.