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If you’re a retired railroad worker or the spouse or survivor of one, several important changes are coming to your pensions.

Previously, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) reduced the tier-1 amount of an individual’s railroad retirement annuity because of his or her pension.

Now, more money is going back into the pockets of many SMART-TD members.

Signed on January 5 by President Biden, the Social Security Fairness Act ends two statutory reductions (the non-covered service pension (NCSP) and the public service pension (PSP)) that are now known as the windfall elimination provision (WEP) and the government pension offset (GPO).

When the NCSP reduction and PSP offset were enacted over 40 years ago, the initial goal was to equalize social security benefit formulas for workers and their spouses with similar earnings histories.

Calculated based on someone’s lifetime earnings, the NCSP reduction lowered the individual’s primary insurance amount, which ultimately determined the monthly tier-1-annuity amount.

The PSP offset further reduced the tier-1 annuity for spouses or survivors by two-thirds of the gross public pension amount payable to those who fall under either category.

Local government employees with less than 30 years of coverage who also receive a public service pension for work not covered by social security and some federal employees hired before December 31, 1983, are some of the individuals who were affected by the NCSP reduction.

Railroad spouses and widow(er)s who were not covered by social security during the last 60 months of employment with the pension-paying government entity but received a public pension based on their own earnings fall under the category of those who were affected by the PSP reduction.

Thanks to the legislation and the repeal of both provisions, anyone who was impacted by the NCSP reduction and PSP offset will have their full tier-1 benefit amounts restored for months retroactive to December 2023 and future monthly benefit payments.

However, it’s important to note that railroad spouses and widow(er)s whose public employment was covered by social security (including federal employees hired after December 31, 1983) and those who are receiving a public pension not based on their own earnings, were not impacted by the repeal. The Social Security Fairness Act also does not impact existing laws requiring offset of railroad retirement annuities for any social security benefit, public disability benefit, or workers’ compensation received. That means that if you’re receiving an RRB and social security benefit, your tier-1 amount will continue to be offset by the social security benefit.

Click to monitor progress on the implementation of the new law. ►

Members do not need to take specific action, except for those who have moved or changed banking information. If that applies to your situation, you are asked to report these details to the RRB’s toll-free number by calling (877) 772-5772.

Temple, Texas—It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that SMART-TD honors the life and remembers the legacy of Brother Charles “Chuck” Cheek, who passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the age of 53.

A member of Local 331 who previously served as a Local Chairperson for LCA 393C, Chuck was sadly diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in August 2024.

As he began navigating the difficult and taxing medical road that comes with a terminal cancer diagnosis, our SMART-TD family showed what solidarity is all about. Thanks in part to the efforts of current local union leadership, over $22,000 was raised to assist with Chuck’s financial burden as he underwent surgery and chemotherapy treatments. This was done through a benefit event, meal fundraisers, raffles, a GoFundMe campaign, and many generous personal donations.

While Chuck’s initial progress was positive, he peacefully passed away after his last chemotherapy treatment. His resilience and courage throughout his battle with cancer were a powerful inspiration to all who had the good fortune to know him.

We extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Kristi, and their family. We also want to extend our sympathy Brother Cheek’s Union family at Local 331. Most importantly, we want to express our gratitude for the powerful impression that Chuck Cheek left on both working families in Texas and our union.

Wilmington Terminal Railroad, a subsidiary of Genesse and Wyoming, has voted unanimously to join SMART-TD!

Since coming under G&W ownership in 2005, the workers have been without representation.

From living in the “Right to Work” state of North Carolina, to dealing with threats from their notorious union-busting employer, the workers’ journey to becoming part of the SMART-TD union family was anything but easy.

New Brother Parker Greenough got tired of G&W’s threats to shut down the terminal and switch the cars elsewhere if organizing talk became a reality.

“I always figured that it [securing union representation] would be difficult and that it would take a long time, but we were finally ready,” Greenough said. “Enough is enough.”

Vice Chairman of General Committee 433 Andy Goeckner is especially proud of how determined Greenough was to fight for representation, no matter what obstacles G&W threw his way.

“Parker did a great job communicating with the crew base and making sure they were singing from the same hymnal, so to speak,” Goeckner reflected.

The Journey to Union Membership

After having important conversations with his co-workers, they decided that they were ready to stand up to G&W’s endless stream of scare tactics and join a union.

There was just one problem: he didn’t know exactly where to start.

A Friday night Google search led him to SMART-TD, and he immediately made a call to the organizing department.

By Monday morning, he was on the phone with Goeckner, who asked Greenough what he and his brothers needed. Authorization Cards were in the mail to them that same day.

Crucial support also came from Local 1105 President Mike Stafford. He was present during the initial town hall and provided invaluable help as the vote approached.

“I was shocked at how easy SMART-TD and Andy made this process,” Greenough noted. “We could tell that he was excited to be in this fight with us, and that made us even more motivated to organize.”

A Unanimous Vote for a Voice on the Job

Much to the chagrin of G&W, the crew base unanimously voted to join SMART-TD.

Vice Chairman Goeckner then walked our new members through the process of filing the correct documentation with the Department of Labor and other federal organizations.

Fellow North Carolinian Todd McCray, who hails from the CSX General Committee, helped Wilmington Terminal navigate the process at the state level, a responsibility that he wasn’t required to assume.

“Todd’s not an organizer,” Goeckner pointed out. “Being from the same state and having the knowledge to make it happen, he just wanted to help his brothers secure the protection and respect that they deserve. He went above and beyond his job description to bring these guys into our SMART-TD family.”

McCray believes that the vote is a true reflection of the “union difference.”

“SMART has negotiated some great agreements on G&W properties,” McCray said. “These guys see that and what they’re missing out on and what a union can do for you.”

Even in the face of repeated discouragement from organizing for years, Goeckner is impressed that Greenough and his brothers never backed down.

“They didn’t fall for G&W’s blatant attempts to swing the vote and stood firm on what they wanted. That’s what being a part of the SMART-TD union family is all about, and we’re excited to welcome them onboard!”

After a week, the destructive California wildfires are still raging near Los Angeles and show no signs of slowing down.

Firefighters’ containment efforts are being further complicated by another round of high winds that are expected to pummel the area today.

Whether as first responders, victims of the devastation, or both, some of our SMART-TD members are experiencing this natural disaster firsthand.

With the number of destroyed structures from the Eaton and Palisades Fires currently sitting at more than 12,300, we expect to see the number of members who have lost their homes to the blaze continue to grow.

How to request assistance from SMART-TD’s Disaster Relief Fund

In an initial effort to reach members who have been affected by the wildfires, SMART-TD shared information about the union’s Disaster Relief Fund last week.

As the long-term recovery and rebuilding process starts to slowly take shape, there are several important updates that we’d like to share.

First, SMART-TD is taking a two-tiered approach to the relief that’s available.

Tier 1: These funds are intended to provide immediate relief for those who have been ordered to evacuate and cover things related to temporary relocation, such as paying for hotels, food, and clothing. Members who would like to apply for Tier 1 relief are asked to contact their General Chairperson, Local Safety & Legislative Representative, or State Safety & Legislative Director.
You will be asked to provide your name, home address with verification that you were under an evacuation order (not the address of where you are temporarily located during the evacuation), phone number, e-mail address, and Zelle account information for fund distribution. If you do not have a Zelle account, you may provide the routing and account numbers for your bank account.

Tier 2: These funds are dedicated to the recovery of lost property and long-term reimbursement needs once evaluation of the damage begins. Members who would like to apply for Tier 2 relief will need to complete the regular application for assistance upon being able to provide a verification of the damage to their home or property. Applications may be obtained by contacting your General Chairperson, Local Safety & Legislative Representative, or State Safety & Legislative Director.

Click to verify if your home is in an area that was ordered to evacuate. ►

If you aren’t sure who your General Chair is, that information is available on the SMART App along with their contact information by clicking the arrow to the right of your local’s meeting date and location. If you do not have the app, your local officers will be able to get you in contact with your General Chair.

Disaster Relief Fund Donations Welcome

As a reminder, we encourage those who are able to donate to the SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund. Donations will go directly to those members who need it most, helping them and their families rebuild their lives and recover from this tragedy.

Contributions can be made payable to:

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

Please call the Transportation Division office at (216) 228-9400 with any questions regarding the Disaster Relief Fund.

A Transformative Leader for Railroad Workers

Washington, D.C. – As Amit Bose formally steps down from his role as Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) takes a moment to express its profound gratitude for his leadership and the lasting impact he’s had on railroaders across the country.

Since taking the throttle of the FRA in 2021, Bose has been a champion for the hard-working men and women of the rail industry. His tenure marked a transformative shift in the way the FRA interacts with rail labor, treating our members not only as workers, but as experts in our field. He has consistently gone beyond simply listening to the needs of SMART-TD and its members. He has consulted with us, seeking our input on policies that affect the future of the American rail industry.

“Under Amit’s leadership, the FRA became a true partner to railroaders,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “He didn’t just hear us; he understood us. From advocating for the two-person crew rule becoming a federal mandate to ensuring the majority of our members now have paid sick leave, his legacy is one of listening, learning, and taking action. His respect for our members as professionals has truly been revolutionary.”

Key Changes in FRA’s Perspective

Bose’s efforts extended beyond the public eye. His time at the FRA saw major milestones that benefit both railroaders and the public at large. Notably, his leadership ensured that the Association of American Railroads (AAR) could no longer use the FRA as a rubber stamp for any request for exemptions that would undermine the quality of life for rail workers or risk the safety of this nation’s communities. Under his watch, the C3RS (Confidential Close Call Reporting System) was expanded to include major railroads like Norfolk Southern and BNSF, marking a significant shift in the approach to safety within the industry.

In perhaps one of his most significant achievements, Bose oversaw the transfer of control of the Pueblo, Colorado, rail research center – often called the “Area 51 of railroading” – away from the AAR. The center, once a hub for research that served corporate interests, is now under the control of an independent third party, ensuring that its research benefits the advancement of the entire industry, with a clear focus on safety for both workers and the public.

“Amit has been a voice for the voiceless,” said Greg Hynes, National Director of SMART TD’s Safety and Legislative Department. “He didn’t just push through initiatives; he took the time to understand the concerns of those of us who work the tracks every day. His leadership created a better, safer environment for railroad workers and, in turn, improved the quality of rail service for the American public.”

A Legacy of Dedication to Rail Workers

The deep respect and commitment Bose showed for SMART TD’s members went beyond policy changes. He regularly sought input from the union’s leadership, including President Ferguson, National Safety and Legislative leaders Hynes and Jared Cassity, and others. He wasn’t just interested in top-level discussions; he made a genuine effort to understand what was happening at the ballast level – the day-to-day realities that frontline workers face.

“Amit’s approach was unique in that he always made sure to meet our members exactly where they were, not just in Washington, but in the rail yards, too,” said Jared Cassity, Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director. “He was a leader who knew that the best way to improve the system was by lacing up his boots, hitting the ballast, and listening to those who work in it every day.”

Jared Cassity, Administrator Bose, and Greg Hynes

Cassity went on to say, “In an era of political figures who focus on headlines and photo ops, Bose’s leadership was a reminder that true public service is about humility, dedication, and a commitment to serving the people. Amit Bose never lost sight of who he was working for, the workers who make the American economy run.”

“Under his leadership, the FRA didn’t just serve the railroads,” President Ferguson added. “It served railroaders. And for that, we will always be grateful.”

The Department of Transportation held a press conference today to thank Bose for his job well done. Fittingly, the press conference was held in the same room where less than a year ago, Bose stood shoulder to shoulder with Brothers Ferguson, Cassity, and Hynes to announce the finalization of his administration’s 2-Person freight rail crew rule. The significance of the setting wasn’t lost on SMART-TD’s leadership.

As Amit Bose moves on from his position as FRA Administrator, SMART-TD extends its sincerest thanks to him and his staff for their outstanding service and the improvements they brought to the rail industry. Amit’s legacy will undoubtedly serve as a model for future FRA Administrators, one who understood that the government’s true role is to serve the public, especially those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the wheels of America turning.

“We were lucky that our rail members were a large part of the public that Amit chose to serve,” said Ferguson. “And we hope his example will inspire future FRA leadership to continue to work for the betterment of those who make this industry what it is.”

For more information, please contact:
SMART-TD Communications Team
Phone: (330) 322-5949
Email: dbanks@smart-union.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPPER DARBY, PA – January 13, 2025 — The first glare-resistant and bulletproof driver barriers are set to be installed on the first of eight Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) buses tomorrow.

This achievement is the result of a pilot program that was part of the tentative agreement (TA) reached between SMART Local 1594 and SEPTA in November.

SMART-TD’s Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee was a key partner in developing the program.

“I want to thank our BTAPS committee for their help in making this happen and advocating for Operator’s enclosures to be bulletproof,” said Anthony Petty, SMART-TD alternate vice president bus-east & GC Local 1594. “With the support of this team at SMART, we’re setting the tone for every bus company in SMART-TD and across the United States.”

“That’s the importance of having a union,” Petty continued. “Without one, the company can tell you what to do and say whatever they want. I look forward to working with them [SEPTA] in the future and hope that they’re going to always be on the same page and that they realize that we’re their frontline employees.”

Classified as the “alpha prototype,” the barrier will be test-fitted to ensure that no additional design modifications are needed before the “beta prototypes” are installed on the remaining seven buses.

The eventual goal is to outfit the entire SEPTA bus fleet with these new barriers.

Petty emphasized the importance of this moment for the SEPTA drivers who are members of the SMART-TD family.

“It feels great,” Petty reflected. “It feels like we’re finally on the same page as the company. I can report back to the operators that something is being done about our safety, and it’s just not being looked over.”

With violent attacks against bus drivers increasing nationwide, this is an important step forward in ensuring that the safety of these essential workers is top-of-mind.

Tony Ricci with Custom Glass Solutions has been involved in the design process since October 2023 when a SEPTA driver was shot and killed.

“Everybody was sick about this,” Ricci reflected. “That’s [violence against drivers] been a problem for a long time, and SEPTA and the union were dedicated to coming up with a solution.”

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the barriers were designed to focus on virus prevention rather than physical protection for drivers. Often flimsy and able to be easily pulled apart, these were not a long-term safety solution.

In fact, some of these barriers negatively impacted drivers’ safety by creating a major glare issue when trying to see their curbside mirror, increasing the potential of accidentally hitting pedestrians, vehicles, or crashing the bus due to an impacted sight line.

“I’ve traveled around the country and met with multiple transit authorities, and I’ve seen the barriers that have been put on these buses,” Ricci said. “They’re extremely inadequate for assault. It’s really bad to give a driver a false sense of security. The idea here was to create a barrier that would solve all of the different problems.”

These new barriers are designed to protect drivers from both physical assaults and assaults committed with various types of weapons. From start to finish, the priority has remained the same: ensuring that SMART-TD members are safe at work.

“I want to thank President Jeremy Ferguson and VP James Sandoval for thinking outside of the box with how they let me address this issue in our contract dispute with SEPTA, “Petty noted. “They gave me the ability to protect our members and made their safety this union’s number one objective.”

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About SMART-TD

The Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers—Transportation Division (SMART-TD), also known as the SMART-TD Railroad Union, is the largest rail union in North America, representing more than 100,000 workers. We fight for the rights of our members, ensuring that they receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and the benefits they deserve. Our union is committed to standing up for all railroad workers and ensuring that their voices are heard in Washington, D.C.

Phoenix, Arizona—It is with heavy hearts that SMART-TD honors the life and legacy of Brother Scott Olson, who passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the age of 77.

A member of Local 1629 who served as the Arizona State Safety and Legislative Director (SLD) for nearly 18 years, Scott was known for his reliable presence at local union meetings and active engagement within SMART-TD.

For Greg Hynes, SMART-TD National Safety and Legislative Director and former Arizona SLD, Scott was a mentor.

“He’s the one who taught me how to be a state director and encouraged me to go to Washington, DC,” Hynes reflected. “He was a great teacher, a great friend, and I truly admire him.”

During Scott’s time as the Arizona SLD, Republicans held a supermajority in the state legislature and weren’t considered labor-friendly.

That didn’t deter Scott.

Rather than accepting defeat, he was able to work with the Arizona Corporation Commission to move the needle on issues that are important to SMART-TD members, including working conditions and two-person crews.

“He always found a way to make it work,” Hynes emphasized.

Focused on working across the aisle whenever necessary to get things done for the betterment of our union, Scott was a respected member of the SMART-TD family.

Scott’s contributions to our union and the entire railroad community were invaluable. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Georgeann, their children, and their family. Most importantly, we uplift our appreciation for the lasting mark that Scott Olson left on both working families in Arizona and our union.

California is once again facing catastrophic wildfires, with thousands of acres burning and entire communities being forced to evacuate. Some of our SMART-TD members are on the frontlines of the devastation, both as first responders and as victims themselves.

Our brothers and sisters working for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) have been hit particularly hard. General Chairperson John M. Ellis from our Los Angeles general committee (GO-875) has informed us that 10 to 15 of our members have already lost their homes to the flames. With the fire’s rapid movement, that number is expected to rise. They face heartbreaking losses, but they are also responding with courage by participating in emergency rescue operations and ensuring that California residents are safely transported to shelters. Their families, homes, and personal belongings remain in jeopardy.

How to request assistance from SMART-TD’s disaster relief fund

The SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund is here to assist those affected by such crises. If you or another SMART-TD member you know has suffered damage to their home or living situation, please reach out to the Chairperson of your General Committee. They will provide you with a short application form and walk you through the process. If you aren’t sure who your General Chair is, that information is available on the SMART App along with their contact information by clicking the arrow to the right of your local’s meeting date and location. If you do not have the app, your local officers will be able to get you in contact with your General Chair.

How to contribute to our brothers and sisters in need

We know that the spirit of solidarity runs deep in this union, and we are asking for your help to ensure that we can continue to support our California brothers and sisters during this time of crisis. Donations to the SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund will go directly to those members who need it most, helping them rebuild their lives and recover from this tragedy.

When disaster strikes, we are reminded that our union is not just a collection of individuals—it is a family. If one of us is in need, we rise to the occasion. Over the years, SMART-TD has supported our members in the wake of hurricanes, winter storms, and other natural disasters, providing vital assistance to those whose lives have been torn apart. The need is just as great today, and we need to step up once again.

If you can contribute, we encourage you to make a donation. Whether large or small, your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are at risk.

Thank you for standing with our union family during this time of crisis. We will rise to meet this challenge together.

Contributions can be made payable to:

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

Please call the Transportation Division office at (216) 228-9400 with any questions regarding the Disaster Relief Fund.

In the spirit of solidarity, SMART-TD asks our members to support the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150 in Countryside, Illinois. They have been on strike against unfair labor practices on the part of Cranemasters, Inc. for more than two months.

While the strike has been effective in the Chicagoland area, Cranemasters is a nationwide company, and the union needs more help pressuring them to come to the table.

“We’re hoping to overcome the information gap of us being in the Chicagoland area and not necessarily knowing where Cranemasters is working at all times,” explained Rob Paszta, IUOE Local 150 Associate General Counsel. “The eyes and ears of SMART members would be tremendous help in this regard.”

To assist in the strike, SMART-TD members are asked to report any known Cranemasters job sites anywhere in the country by calling (219) 405-5532. Paszta says that will help the local put data points together and know where folks are working.

Cranemasters is an emergency rerail, track, and car repair service active in the local’s jurisdiction.

Cranemasters refuses to negotiate

In August 2023, Cranemasters employees in Merrillville, Indiana and Schiller Park, Illinois voted to join IUOE Local 150. Since then, 17 unfair labor practice charges have been filed against Cranemasters on issues including refusing to bargain in good faith, firing employees who support the union, and taking work from the bargaining unit and sending it to non-union locations.

Furthering its anti-labor behavior, the company has refused to give workers a raise since the union was voted in, while other locations have been given a 10% raise in an attempt discourage any organizing efforts.

“Some of them have been working for two years without a raise in some of the worst inflationary times we’ve seen,” noted Paszta.

On November 4, Cranemasters employees went on strike after working for 15 months without a contract.

By supporting IUOE Local 150 in its unfair labor practice strike, Paszta predicts that the effort will pay off in the long run.

“It’s a good group of employees. They’re hard-working,” Paszta emphasized. “Any information that you [SMART-TD members] can provide would go a long way to help these employees get a contract and stop being mistreated in retaliation for forming a union. It’s just shameful the way the company is acting.”

Click to learn more about the Cranemasters strike and how you can help. ►

Not many people can say that they’ve written three books or have been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

Brother Carlos Wallace, a fifth-generation railroader out of Local 11 in Houston, Texas, has done both.

“I think the impact of the writing has me more excited than the actual accolade,” Wallace said. “When I started to understand the criteria and what they look for and how it’s about things that can make society better, that’s when it meant something to me. In my writing, to me, that’s what’s most important: making the world a better place.”

The Pulitzer Prize is an annual award that recognizes achievement in American journalism, letters and music. Out of an initial pool of 1,400 nominees, Brother Wallace has advanced to the top 50, who are still in the running. He says that the winner will likely be announced sometime in June. The Pulitzer is awarded by Columbia University in New York City.

Wallace served as the Local Chairperson for Local 11 and the Secretary of GCA-927, while also working for Union Pacific. Traveling as an organizer for the United Transportation Union (UTU) gave him the opportunity to meet a lot of different people and experience different scenarios, which factored heavily into his writing.

Wallace’s first book centers around his East Texas upbringing and the principles that his parents and grandparents instilled in him.

“I’ve yet to meet anybody in my life that can say that they worked in the same industry as their great-great-great grandfather,” Wallace reflected. “Society works much like the operation of the railroad. All it takes is one part failing, and it can make the entire operation fail. But if it’s built properly enough, we can assist and help bring it back on board. It’s just making those comparisons from railroading to real life, and it’s taught me so much.”

Brother Wallace’s third book, Why Sell Lies When the Truth is Free, nabbed him the Pulitzer nomination. The book is his first venture into fiction. He admits that it was a little tougher to write than his first two, which he classifies as motivational and empowering books.

“I’m very proud of [my third book]. I was able to craft a good story, and it caught the recognition of some really good people in the literary world,” Wallace said. “It’s all based on real facts and real things that happen, and I just kind of put them all together to make one story.

“I am a die hard. I only know union,” Wallace emphasized. “I want to thank the men and women from the bottom-up because it takes everyone, and it makes me extremely proud to say that I’m a SMART member. There’s never a day that I’m not proud of my union.”