Author: alyssahansen

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New hires at Local 1706 learn what happens when solidarity is put into action. Its former employer, Student Transportation of America (STA), was acquired by Zum Transportation. The members of 1706 transferred to the new ownership and brought their SMART representation with them. Vice President James Sandoval, leading SMART-TD’s Bus Department, immediately communicated to Zum that the union would continue to advocate for their new workers’ rights. This secured a foothold for Local 1706, but it also marked the beginning of an intense negotiation process. 

SMART-TD leadership engages skeptical employees 

Many of Zum’s new employees were unfamiliar with union representation and were skeptical about the value of joining. Tensions ran high, with some openly questioning the need for representation by SMART-TD. 

With contract negotiations scheduled to begin the next day, Sandoval approached three of the most vocal critics and invited them to attend the bargaining session. These individuals agreed to participate, and their presence at the table completely changed the dynamic of the negotiations. 

Solidarity intimidates management at bargaining table

When the group entered the negotiation room, Zum’s management was surprised. The three new operators, outspoken in their opposition to unions the night before, were now sitting side-by-side with our leaders. This attitude shift signaled a unified front at the bargaining table. The new participants also gained firsthand insight into the negotiation process and the critical role that unions (SMART-TD, in particular) play in advocating for their members. 

Initially, Zum presented an offer that fell short — Sandoval and his delegation stood firm and demanded a better deal for our members. 

Standing firm for a successful agreement 

Zum eventually agreed to a contract that secured improved wages, better health and wellness benefits, and significant improvements in overall working conditions. On December 21st the TA, negotiated in part by the union’s former skeptics, was overwhelmingly passed by the members of Local 1706! Their fight and the experienced guidance of VP Sandoval proved to be a winning combination.  

A point of pride for Sandoval, however, was the opportunity to demonstrate the value of the union to those three previously skeptical operators. Over the span of 24 hours, they went from opponents of union membership to full-fledged supporters. Their journey from skepticism to active leaders highlights the power of collective bargaining and its transformative effect.  

“SMART-TD is not only proud to have found them as new members, but we should also be hopeful that we’ve found a new generation of skilled leaders who know how to advocate for the men and women of our craft,” said VP Sandoval.  

“We are stronger together. Be SMART!” 

To kick off the new year and a season of new beginnings for Local 1706, a training for the members was held today.  

General Chairperson Lisa Roby has a good feeling about the future of the local.  

“A lot of people don’t know much about the union,” Roby explained. “They’ve been asking questions, and I think we’re getting much better. This is the strongest we’ve ever been…right now.” 

From last month’s negotiations to the information discussed in today’s training, Sister Roby complimented VP Sandoval’s leadership.  

“James stays on top of everything,” Roby noted. “[The training] came together smoothly, and I’m grateful for the learning that we’re getting.” 

As some new members continue to see what it means to be a part of the SMART-TD union family, Roby has some words of wisdom for them.  

“We are stronger together. Be smart. That’s what I always tell everybody,” Roby said.  


For Local 1706, this experience is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from unity, respect for diverse viewpoints, and the transformative power of organized labor. The agreement represents more than just better pay and benefits: it symbolizes the collective effort of workers coming together to secure a better future for themselves and their families. 

Congratulations to Local 1706 on their victory!  

 

As workers and their families celebrate during this festive time of the year, SMART-TD members across the country are stepping up to ensure that those who might need a little extra help in their communities are able to experience the joy of the holiday season.

Whether it’s through food and toy drives in Illinois or a bike drive in Tennessee, three locals exemplify how the SMART-TD union family takes action during this time of giving.

Toy drive for the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest in Chicago

In Chicago, the members of Local 1534 have been working with the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation for the past three years. Together, they ensure that children and teenagers don’t have their holiday season overshadowed by an endless stream of medical treatments as they battle cancer.

Once a child completes their chemotherapy or radiation treatments, the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation provides trips to the “treasure chest” to let a child pick out a toy.  

This year, Local 1534 collected over 100 toys and $200 worth of gift cards to add to the treasure chest.


The foundation operates year-round but primarily focuses on the holiday season, and those who have seen the warehouse describe it as if you’re stepping into a Toys R Us.

Food, Bike Drives Bring More Holiday Cheer

For the second year in a row, SMART-TD Local 445 hosted the Yuletide Food Drive in partnership with the Jamieson Food Bank in Monmouth, IL and the Fish Food Pantry in Galesburg, IL.

Headed up by Brothers Wes Ekstedt, Josh Gordon, and Jack Girard, the local collected over 400 pounds of food and nearly $800 to distribute throughout the community.

In Memphis, TN, SMART-TD Local 1557 just wrapped up its second bike drive and secured 100 bikes for the Binghampton Development Corporation after setting a goal of just 20 the year before, which it far surpassed.

According to Local Chairperson Jonathan Hickerson, the goal of the event is to simply better the community.

He enjoys seeing folks’ willingness to donate and how much the drive brings the community together.

“Knowing that both years every family that wanted a bike was able to get a bike…seeing that building full of toys and bikes and seeing our co-workers come together to assemble and deliver the bikes has been so rewarding,” Hickerson said.

Local 1557 is already planning to hold the bike drive again in 2025 and hopes that it will continue to grow even more.

These three examples are a testament to what being a part of the SMART-TD union family is all about, and we thank every member who made this holiday season a little brighter for their communities.

It’s December of 2022, and a hearing is taking place in Washington, D.C. on the FRA’s 2-PC rule.


As the hearing room fills, one of the attorneys for the railroad stops cold in her tracks.


She spots SMART-TD’s General Counsel Kevin Brodar and knows that she’s in for a fight.



That’s the kind of reputation that he’s rightfully earned throughout his professional life: a steadfast champion of the labor movement who stands tall in the courtroom to defend SMART-TD members and protect their rights.



Now, after a legal career spanning nearly four decades, Brodar is retiring at the end of the year.



“It’s a little scary, I have to say, going over to the other side,” Brodar admitted. “I’m peering over the edge of the abyss.”



He’s been slowly saying his goodbyes over the past few months, which has given him plenty of time to reflect on both the people he’s worked with and the experiences that he’s had at SMART-TD.



“It’s a little bittersweet, because you work with people and then you develop a bond and it’s more than just a working relationship. It’s a friendship,” Brodar said.

Long Road to a Labor Legal Career

After graduating from Duquesne University, Brodar moved across the country to attend law school at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and initially wanted to be a public defender.


But after his first year of law school, he wasn’t sure that was the path he wanted to pursue.


As he sat in class listening to lectures about real property law, Brodar worried that he made a mistake.


“I’m listening to this and I’m thinking ‘This is nothing like what I thought it was going to be,’” he remembered.  


Not wanting to move all the way back across the country already, his wife convinced him to tough it out for his first year.


Once he started his second year of law school, Brodar had the opportunity to choose some electives.

One option that caught his attention: labor law.


“That real property class was so Greek,” Brodar said laughing. “This (labor law course) was like everything I knew.”


Growing up in a heavily industrialized section of Pittsburgh, Brodar estimates that 90% of the people in his community were blue-collar workers. By his best guess, 90% of that group were also union members.


His father, brother, and an uncle all worked on the railroad, so it wasn’t surprising that Brodar was drawn to practicing labor law.

Earning the highest grade in his class didn’t hurt either.

“That first semester, second year, I was like ‘Bam! This is it,’” Brodar said.

From the NLRB to SMART-TD, Brodar Makes an Impact

After receiving his Master of Laws (LLM) with a concentration in Labor Law from Georgetown University and beginning his career with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Brodar was hired by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLET) in 1989 before being approached by the United Transportation Union (UTU) in 1991 to join the organization as a full-time litigator.


He’s never looked back.


But whether it was making an impact through several cases of first impression, litigating in federal district and appellate courts all over the country, or ensuring that SMART-TD members received historic raises and saw no major changes to healthcare during the last round of national negotiations, Brodar never let his professional accomplishments overshadow why he wanted to practice labor law.

“Being a litigator wasn’t the be all and end all of everything,” Brodar said. “It was working for a cause, and that’s why you work on this side of the fence. That’s kind of what drove me all these years: that you’re working for something greater than yourself.”

SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson thanks Brodar for his many years of standing up for workers at his recent retirement celebration.

Those who have been lucky enough to cross paths with him at SMART-TD agree.



“From his first day as counsel for the UTU to his instrumental role in shaping the victories of SMART-TD, Kevin has been the ultimate protector of our members,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “Since I stepped into my role as President in 2019, I’ve been fortunate to rely on Kevin’s knowledge and experience in some of our union’s most difficult fights. Kevin’s legacy is one of dedication and unmatched service to the labor movement, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”



SMART-TD Vice President & International Representative Brent Leonard agrees.



“He really does care about the organization,” said Leonard. “Not just the people he works with, but also the members we represent.”



Leonard predicts that there will be a noticeable void once Brodar retires.

“People always feel better when they know that there’s somebody there that has the answers,” Leonard explained. “It’s this certain comfort that everything will be okay, because you know what? Kevin knows what to do.”

Looking to the Future

Stepping up to fill Brodar’s role is Erika Diehl-Gibbons, who is the current Associate General Counsel at SMART-TD.

Leonard believes that there’s no one who’s better prepared for the job.

“We’re excited to have Erika coming in and filling the role,” Leonard said. “She’s been with us for a long time, and she’s going to be a fantastic General Counsel. I know she looks at Kevin as a mentor, and I know he’s mentored her to carry the torch.”

As Brodar prepares to wrap up a lengthy legal career that’s been spent fighting for workers, he’s hopeful that he was simply able to make an impact.

“It really has been a blessing to be able to have this job,” Brodar reflected. “It’s something that’s provided a lot of fulfillment that I’ve been able to help people, which was my whole goal.”