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The recent actions by the National Mediation Board regarding SMART-TD’s Crew Consist Agreement with BNSF have created a storm of confusion, frustration, and anger among our brothers and sisters. It’s a complex situation, and we know how deeply it affects each and every one of you. 

That’s why SMART-TD’s General Committee 001 created two short, straightforward videos that break down what’s really in the agreement. The videos separate truth from fiction, lay out how we got here, what the agreement means for our members, and most importantly, where we go from here. 

We encourage every member to watch these videos, arm yourself with the facts, and share them with your brothers and sisters in your crew rooms: 

There has been a flood of misinformation making the rounds, with some of the loudest voices coming from outside our union. Don’t let an outside group’s lies stir division among us.  

GC-001 would like to thank Local 1000 Chairperson, Matt Lenz and International Vide President Brent Leonard for their help creating the videos. 

This moment demands unity and clarity, not division and doubt. Let’s stick together, get informed, and continue the fight for what’s right. 

In solidarity, 
SMART-TD 

Discounted Rooms May be Unavailable if Block Sells Out Before May 25

  • Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Denver Hotel 
  • Dates: June 23-26, 2025 (S&T: June 23-27)  
  • Room Rate: $159/night  
  • Registration Fee: $75  

The Denver RTS will begin on Monday, June 23, 2025, with an evening Welcome Reception. The training will cover topics such as local governance, the roles and responsibilities of local presidents, secretaries, treasurers, legislative representatives, and local chairpersons in member advocacy, an overview of the SMART Constitution, and other key subjects.  

For a detailed meeting agenda, please visit the Meetings page via the SMART Union mobile app.  

Note: Attendees are responsible for making their hotel reservations. To ensure that you secure a room at the discounted rate, please make your reservation by May 25. DON’T FORGET: rooms may be unavailable if the discounted block sells out before Sunday.

We look forward to seeing you in Denver!  

Space in some of the training tracks is limited and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Register early.  

The RTS will conclude by noon on Thursday, June 26 (for all tracks excluding S&T). Please keep this information in mind when making your travel and hotel arrangements.

Registration closes on June 16, 2025, and no onsite registration will be available.

To Register for Classes: RTS Registration ►  
To Book Your Hotel Reservation: Hotel Reservation Link ►  

For more information, contact Nick Torres in the SMART-TD office at 216-227-5269 or by email at ntorres@smart-union.org.  

In the golden era of American railroading, more than 100 major railroads crisscrossed the country, powering commerce, competition, and progress.  

Today, that number has dwindled to just six: BNSF Railway, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, CSX Transportation, Canadian National, and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).  

Now, at least one of those remaining giants, Union Pacific, is entertaining the prospect of yet another merger. 

This would fundamentally shift the balance of power in the U.S. rail system.

Vena’s Vision: A Merger on the Horizon? 

In comments featured in Trains Magazine, Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena offered a tantalizing hint: “We’re not looking at anything right now, but we look at everything.”  

This casual phrasing tips his hand and suggests that UP, one of the largest and most influential railroads in North America, may soon position itself for a mega-merger. 

With UP’s dominant position west of the Mississippi, the only logical partners for such an eastward expansion would be CSX Transportation or Norfolk Southern, the two eastern U.S. Class I railroads. Either would give UP a coast-to-coast footprint, like Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) reach from Canada to Mexico. 

However, the implications would be much more profound. 

A Domino Effect: From Six to Four 

Once Union Pacific moves, BNSF would have little choice but to respond. Warren Buffett’s railway behemoth, long seen as a steady competitor to UP, would be forced to seek its own merger partner to maintain parity. That partner? The remaining East Coast Class I, either NS or CSX. 

Just like that, the industry would collapse from six to four Class I freight railroads, two of which would span the entire country, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 

These mega-railroads would wield incredible power over commerce in North America. They would upend everything the railroads and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) claim to support — at least when it suits them: say farewell to capitalism, innovation, and fair competition. 

Innovative Ways to Abuse their Power 

Ironically, these same railroads routinely tell Congress and the FRA that safety legislation and workplace protections (often spearheaded by SMART-TD) are burdens that stifle their innovation. Yet, when given the freedom to consolidate and eliminate competition, they expect to be trusted to continue to innovate, invest, or improve service? That’s not how it works. Monopoly — not regulation, competition, safety or reliable service — is the enemy of ingenuity. 

Queen Creek, Arizona—It is with deep sympathy and respect that SMART honors the life and legacy of Brother Daniel Anthony May, who passed away on May 5 at the age of 80 and was laid to rest yesterday.  
 
A Chicago native and member of Local 1433 who worked out of the Bensenville Yard, Brother May began his career as a brakeman with the Milwaukee Railroad and followed in the footsteps of his father, Theodore May, who was also a brakeman. 
 
After being drafted in the United States Army in 1968 and serving for two years, he was excited to return to the rails and spent time working for the Soo Line Railroad and the Canadian Pacific Railway throughout his career.  
 
Brother May’s wife of 48 years, Heidi, said that he always liked to be outside so working for the railroad was a great fit for him, even during brutal, bone-chilling winters. In fact, he used to spend his time off swimming in Lake Michigan when the two of them met.  
 
When it came time to retire, he abandoned the snow and sub-zero temperatures for sunny Arizona where he could continue to enjoy the outdoors, including caring for his summer vegetable garden, feeding the neighborhood birds, squirrels, and ducks, and riding his bike to the grocery store.  
 
Known for his chocolate chip cookies and homemade chili, Brother May always looked forward to dining at the Chinese buffet so that he could indulge on the salmon.  
 
He could usually be found watching the nightly news, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, or supporting his beloved Chicago Bears through all the ups and many downs each season.  
 
Survived by his wife, Heidi, daughters Nicole and Lana, and four grandchildren, Brother May was very proud of his family and will be remembered for his strength, playful sense of humor, and enjoying the simple things in life.  

We extend our deepest and most heartful sympathies to Brother May’s family and all who were lucky enough to know him. Most importantly, we are grateful for his impactful legacy and the lasting impression that he left on our union.

Whether it’s on the rails or on the road, SMART-TD prioritizes the safety of our brothers and sisters.  
 
This isn’t just something that we preach: our members’ actions speak louder than words. 
 
From fighting to ensure that Massachusetts law covers public transit workers employed by private companies, to securing permanent funding for the Office of Railroad Safety in Colorado just last week, this union’s presence and commitment to protecting its members is evident in statehouses across the country. 

String of Legislative Victories Spotlight Safety

SMART-TD members have racked up an impressive number of legislative wins centered on securing or strengthening safety protections this year. These include:

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signs the state’s new transit safety bill into law. From left to right, back to front: Brian Wivell (ATU), Maryland Safety & Legislative Director David Pendleton (SMART-TD), Brian Perry (SMART-TD), Sean McCullam (ATU), Jay Johnson (SMART-TD), Delegate Jen Tarrasa (District 13), Afra Vance, Senator Shaneka Henson (sponsor), Delegate Jackie Addison (sponsor), Mike McMillan (ATU), Chantese Robinson (ATU), Trena Few (SMART-TD), Linda Hamlin.  Lt Gov Aruna Miller, Senate President Bill Ferguson, Gov Wes Moore, House Speaker Adrienne Jones

A safety-related bill doesn’t necessarily need to pass to make headway. Organizing a coalition to move a piece of legislation out of committee or securing another co-sponsor to build support for a new law are part of how the work gets done. Each milestone means that lawmakers are coming to support our members’ priorities. While some laws take several years to pass, the members of SMART-TD and our advocates are relentless in the fight for safety.  
 
This is just a small snapshot of the safety-focused legislation that SMART-TD members have championed over the past few months. The theme is clear: safety on the job has and will always be this union’s top priority, even in the face of repeated attempts by the carriers to make that goal more difficult to achieve.

Carriers, Some Lawmakers Attempting to Cut Corners 

Short-term attempts to save a buck at the expense of workers’ safety are happening across the country. 

At the federal level, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) requested a repeal of the federal two-person crew rule (2-PC), claiming that it will save them over $260 million. But at what cost?  

Securing permanent funding for the Office of Rail Safety in Colorado was anything but a smooth ride.  A state senator tried to force employees’ unions to split the bill with the carriers. The office itself was created as a way to steal progress from defeat. 

The original legislation sought to limit train lengths to 8500 feet and cap blocked crossings at 10 minutes.  After 10 months of cooperation between the union and bipartisan legislative sponsors, railroad lobbyists stepped in at the last minute to threaten an unrelated passenger rail initiative. The original bill, if passed, had a good chance of being vetoed. The Colorado team pivoted to create the Office of Rail Safety instead.  
 
The proposal to share the cost was defeated, but the message was loud and clear: safety is secondary to financial savings, and our opposition is willing to do what it takes to erode the powers that hold them accountable.  

The contrast between our priorities and those of the carriers is clear. Our bottom line is this: no price tag can ever be put on our members’ safety.

Keeping Our Priorities in Line 

Whether it’s a major victory or an incremental step forward, SMART-TD will never lose focus of our central duty: ensuring our mutual well-being, and that our employers are held accountable for any harm caused by their greed.  
 
It takes grit to be on one of our state legislative boards. Political savviness and tireless determination are essential to building stronger protections in the face of ceaseless industry lobbying.  But grit and determination are what it means to be union. We’re used to hard work, and we will never stop. Our brothers and sisters, in every state and across every craft, will continue to fight tirelessly, day after day, to stand up for one another and protect what’s right.

Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) may go on strike at New Jersey Transit (NJT) as early as 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 16. This could lead to major service disruptions across the state. While the situation is serious, SMART-TD members need to remember their own obligations and rights under the law and our union constitution.

SMART-TD Members at NJT Are Under Contract

SMART-TD members who work for NJ Transit are not involved in this potential strike. Local 60 reached a collective bargaining agreement with NJT on June 22, 2023. That agreement remains in effect through 2027. Because of this, no SMART-TD job action can take place during this BLET strike.

What are My Obligations Regarding Reporting for Duty?

New Jersey Transit is obliged to pay and to honor all aspects of the agreement it has with SMART-TD. Our organization is not a party to the work stoppage. For our members’ pay and benefits not to be interrupted, report to work at the regular time and sign the sign-in sheet NJT will provide. Make no mistake about it, signing this sheet does not mean you crossed a picket line.This merely shows you reported for duty. If ordered to do so, you may attend a training class, sign an attendance sheet, or complete recertification requirements with a clear conscience. Moving a train is where the line is drawn.

What to Do If You Encounter a Picket Line 

If the BLET strike moves forward and you encounter picketing while reporting to work, there are clear guidelines in the SMART Constitution that you should follow. Section 92 of Article 21-B states: 

“When a strike of any other nationally recognized labor organization is in effect and danger to the safety of our members exists in or about the area affected by the strike, and/or if there exists any substantial present or potential threat of danger to the members en route to or from their work, and/or to the members’ families, it is the policy of SMART to support its members in declining to enter the territory directly affected.” 

This means that your safety comes first. If you feel at risk, take these steps: 

  1. Tell Your Supervisor Immediately – Let them know if you see or feel any danger. 
  2. Contact Your Local Union Officers – Once you’re in a safe place, inform the union so we understand the details and can back your decision. 

A Message of Solidarity 

Even though we are not part of this strike, SMART-TD supports all workers fighting for fair treatment. As SMART-TD General Chairperson of NJT’s GCA-610, Jerome Johnson told SMART News, “While we honor the picket lines, we urge our members to seek the full facts. SMART-TD Local 60 represents the largest share of the unionized rail operations workforce on this property, and with that comes both responsibility and leadership.

We respect BLE&T’s effort to push for more than what we, along with 13 other rail unions, agreed to. But let’s not lose sight of what real solidarity means. It’s not just about making noise, it’s about standing together, making informed choices, and never losing focus on who we serve.

Local 60 will always listen to our members. We will always fight for what’s right.
We lead from the front, not behind, and we will not be second to anyone.
Our members and their families are our mission. That will never change.”

We encourage our members to stand in solidarity, when possible, but always follow the rules that protect your safety and your job.

Stay Informed 

This is a fast-moving situation. Your local officers and SMART-TD’s national leadership will keep you updated. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

For now, stay safe, stay alert, and continue doing your job with professionalism and care.

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. 

DENVER, CO – The SMART Transportation Division is proud to shine a spotlight on one of our most inspiring members: Sister Tierney Gallegos.  

In the words of Omar Ledesma, local chairperson and alternate safety and legislative director for the Colorado: 

“Union leadership is a voluntary position, and not every position is filled with people determined to make a difference. Sister Gallegos strives to make that difference. She wants people to know that railroaders still exist. We may not have the numbers we once had, but we are still present in our community and a leader among other unions.” 

A conductor for BNSF Railway and the Vice President of Local 202 in Denver, Colorado, Sister Gallegos also serves as the Secretary of the Local Committee of Adjustment (LCA) for the yard, a role that she was elected to in 2022 and has quickly become an indispensable force. 

She mobilized support for our legislative priorities and broader labor initiatives. From Senate and House hearings to street-level rallies, Gallegos ensures our members show up proud, powerful and ready to fight for positive change. 

With fewer than six years in the union, Sister Gallegos has emerged as a model of leadership, service, and solidarity.  

Union influence creates a community-wide benefit 

Elected to her first four-year term as Vice President two years ago, Sister Gallegos hit the ground running. She assumed leadership of both the Charity Committee and the Ways and Means Committee, where she has redefined what it means to connect union strength with public good. Her efforts have brought Local 202 into collaboration with key organizations such as: 

  • Toys for Tots 
  • The Colorado Railroad Museum 
  • SMART-TD Colorado Legislative Board 
  • Women on the Tools Event 

For the third consecutive year, she successfully organized Local 202’s support for the National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, forging a powerful partnership with the Bienvenidos Food Bank and a local post office to combat hunger and raise awareness. She has made it her mission to bring the message of SMART-TD into the broader community: if something needs to be fixed, the union will get organized and fix it. 

Our values lead to a brighter future 

Gallegos defines where SMART-TD is headed. Her combination of compassion, courage, and tireless work ethic makes her a pillar of strength and a beacon for others to follow.  

She demonstrates what all SMART-TD members stand for: determination in the face of adversity, strength through unity, service to the community, and a commitment to lifting one another when any of us has fallen. Her rise in prominence is a testament to her unshakeable dedication to these values. 

Thank you, Sister Gallegos for your unwavering commitment. Your union brothers and sisters look forward to the future you are helping us build: one action, one voice, and one member at a time.  

The SMART-TD family is heartbroken to share that Brother Mike Garcia of Local 1422 (Los Angeles, California) and his wife, Tamara Ortiz, lost their three beloved children Cole (17), Trent (15), and Sailor (10) in a car accident. Their lives were taken far too soon, leaving a deep void in the hearts of their family, friends, and community. 

Brother Garcia is a dedicated railroader with 10 years at Union Pacific and currently serves as the 2nd Vice Local Chairman of Local 1422. In Southern California’s railroading community, Mike is known as a pillar of strength and someone his brothers and sisters can always depend on. Today, he and his family need that same strength and support returned. 

Donate Here 

Support for Tamara Ortiz’s Heartbreaking Loss – GoFundMe 

As Mike and Tamara process their overwhelming grief and work to support their two surviving children through this painful time, they are also facing the tremendous burden of planning and paying for three memorial services. Due to the circumstances, Mike has understandably had to step away from his duties at the railroad, leaving the family with a significant financial strain on top of their emotional heartbreak. 

In the spirit of union solidarity and compassion, the leadership of SMART-TD Local 1422 is calling upon our SMART-TD brothers and sisters to lend their support. A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover the final expenses and memorial services for Cole, Trent, and Sailor. 

We urge you to give what you can and share this message far and wide. No donation is too small. Together, we can help ease the burden for a family that has given so much to our union and our community. 

Let us rally around Brother Garcia and his family with the same compassion, strength, and unity that he has shown us time and again. This is what being a union means. We stand in solidarity through it all. 

On this Mother’s Day, SMART-TD extends our heartfelt gratitude and admiration to every mother in our union. Your unwavering commitment, incredible strength, and daily sacrifices embody the very essence of what it means to serve both your family and your fellow brothers and sisters in transportation. 

Transportation jobs are demanding, our schedules are relentless, and the toll both of these take on our personal lives is felt deeply. We work long, unpredictable hours, often living life on the Extra Board and on call at all hours of the day and night. These realities make fulfilling our roles as parents uniquely challenging. We miss milestones, we can’t always be the coach for our kid’s team or the classroom volunteer at school events. And no matter how much we wish it were different, these missed moments weigh heavily on us. 

But let’s be clear. There is no shame in what we do. The path we walk is paved with purpose. Every shift we work, every hour we sacrifice is in the service of our families. Our kids might not always see us in the stands or in the school drop-off and pick-up lines, but they see the example we set. They see the grit, the determination, the selflessness, and they carry those lessons with them through life. 

To the mothers in SMART-TD: Thank you. Thank you for every hour of rest given up managing family responsibilities during your off time. Thank you for the strength you show as you juggle two full-time roles (professional and parent) with unmatched grace and determination. You inspire us not only as union members, but as people. You are leaders, you are warriors, and you are deeply valued. 

While the outside world may not always understand the depth of the sacrifices you make to build a better life for your families, we see it in one another. More importantly, our children see it. And in their eyes, and in their future, your legacy will shine. 

From all of us at SMART-TD, Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for everything that you do!