Conductor Kenneth Paul “K.P.” Smith Jr., 59, of Local 1313 at Amarillo, Texas, died last week (June 28) when two BNSF trains crashed just outside of Amarillo. Two others, Cody Owens, 52, and Lara Gayle Taylor, 45, also died in the crash. Owens and Taylor were former members. A fourth, unidentified conductor, jumped from the train and suffered injuries.
Smith had been a member since 1977. He was known for having a love of the outdoors and had a passion for sharing his knowledge and skills with those he loved. In his free time, Smith enjoyed scuba diving and driving RZRs.
“While devastated by the sudden loss of Kenny, we intend to spend the upcoming days and weeks remembering the love he had for his family and a good adventure. K.P. took great pride in his 39 years of service with BNSF Railway. He will be missed deeply by those whose lives he touched,” the family said in a statement to Amarillo Globe-News.
Smith is survived by his wife Donna Smith, daughter Sarah (Tomas) Wrotten, son Kellen (Tana) Smith, mother Nancy Smith, brother Ricky (Jacquie) Smith; grandchildren Saylor Wrotten; Averey, Kysen and Ansen Smith. He was preceded in death by his father Paul Smith.
A celebration of life service was held Saturday, July 2. Click here to view Smith’s official obituary or here to leave condolences for the family.
Owens hired out with BNSF in 1994. He was known for his love of horses and the cowboy way of life. He also loved to hunt, fish, snow ski and water ski. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Claude.
Owens is survived by wife Cindy, daughter Riley Owens, sons Ty and Zackry Owens; mother Betty Owens; sisters Connie (Glen) Spiller and Cheryl (Danny) Hand; and grandmother Mildred Clendennen. He was preceded in death by his father Merle Owens.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5411 S. Bell, Ste. 411, Amarillo, TX 79109, in honor of Owens’ father. A funeral service was held Saturday, July 2. Click here to read Owens’ official obituary or here to leave condolences.
Taylor loved her son, Jacob, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was an avid athlete and was often found working out at the gym. She had three cats and a horse.
Taylor is survived by son Jacob, mother Patricia Pembridge, stepfather Paul, brothers Randy (Debbi) Morris and David Morris. She was preceded in death by her father Jerry Lee Morris.
Visitation and a memorial service were held Tuesday, July 5. Memorial contributions may be made to a trust fund set up for her son Jacob Taylor of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Click here to read Taylor’s official obituary and to leave condolences.
Author: amyr
SMART Transportation Division has partnered with MetLife to bring our Rail and Bus members the most comprehensive and cost-effective Voluntary Long-Term Disability plans.
VLTD insurance helps you protect your income if you suddenly have to stop working due to an accident or illness. VLTD helps ensure that you can continue paying your bills and provide for your family if you are unable to work due to an accident or illness.
Open enrollment for the Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) Plan will be available for active dues-paying SMART Transportation Division Rail and Bus members beginning August 1, 2016, through October 31, 2016, with no medical history information required.
Rail Members:
60% Option – Allows rail members to purchase coverage after a 238-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 60 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $7,000). Cost for Part “B”: $73.88 per month.
50% Option – Allows rail members to purchase coverage after a 238-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 50 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $7,000). Cost for Part “A”: $51.63 per month.
Bus Members:
60% Option – Allows bus members to purchase coverage after a 365-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 60 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $6,000). Cost for Part “B”: $47.98 per month.
50% Option – Allows bus members to purchase coverage after a 365-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 50 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $6,000). Cost for Part “A”: $31.50 per month.
Need help deciding how much is right for you?
A good rule of thumb is to buy enough VLTD to cover your essential monthly expenses (e.g., mortgage, food, utilities and car payments). For most people, that is 60-80 percent of their income. To determine your specific needs, use the calculator tool.
Enroll Today
In the month of July active members will receive an enrollment package from MetLife, containing plan FAQ’s and an enrollment form.
If for some reason you do not receive an enrollment packet in the mail, call your regional field supervisor or click on the enrollment form below.
It is easy to enroll! Simply print and complete the enrollment form, and mail it to SMART Transportation Division (VLTD), 24950 Country Club Blvd., Ste. 340, North Olmsted, OH 44070.
For plan related questions or inquiries,
please contact
MetLife Customer Service at
1-800-300-4296
Do not wait to enroll!
Your opportunity only lasts until October 31, 2016.
July 1, 2016 (Edit)
SMART TD Mobile App: Updated, Easy and Free, and is a “must have” for Regional Meetings and much, much more…
The SMART TD Mobile App has the same features as before, with new features added that make locating, scheduling and rating Regional Meeting workshops super quick and easy.
Just like last year, the SMART TD Mobile App provides detailed descriptions for workshops, provides instant access to Officer and Presenter bios and includes additional Member Resource content found in the menu, located at the top left of the App screen.
Beyond the Regional Meetings: New Mobile App features for members to use year-round!
SMART TD Mobile has been upgraded to include features you can use year-round, including automated alerts, SMART TD News Feed and member notifications. Additional new features include an updated interface, custom scheduling with integration to your mobile device’s calendar, and filtering tools by target audience – all designed to help you locate all the events that interest you most.
Take a minute to Download Version 2.5 Today! Search for “SMART-Transportation Division” in the App Store or Google Play.
For more detailed information on the SMART TD Mobile App, click here.
CHICAGO – Ensure your Independence Day weekend is filled with celebration and not regret with these 10 fire safety tips, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V office in Chicago:
- Be sure fireworks are legal in your area before using or buying them.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities and never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Sparklers alone account for one quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
- If you set off fireworks, keep a bucket of water handy in case of malfunction or fire.
- If fireworks malfunction, don’t relight them! Douse and soak them with water then throw them away.
- Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially one that is glass or metal.
- Use your grill well away from your home and deck railings, and out from under branches or overhangs.
- Open your gas grill before lighting.
- Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below your gas or propane grill so it cannot be ignited.
- Declare a three-foot “kid and pet-free zone” around the grill to keep them safe.
- Avoid loose clothing that can catch fire when cooking on the grill.
You can find more information and tips on being fire safe this Fourth of July, by visiting www.usfa.fema.gov.
Also, be sure that your holiday is union-made by checking the chart below from Union Plus! Click here for the complete union-made list.
Text GRILLUNION to 22555 to get the list sent to your phone. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Reply STOP to opt-out.
Effective July 1, 2016, rail employees covered under The NRC/UTU Health and Welfare Plan and The Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan will see their monthly Health and Welfare contribution increased from the current $198.00 per month, to $228.89 per month.
Why the increase?
Since July 1, 2012 and pursuant to provisions of the September 16, 2011 National Rail Agreement, the health and welfare contribution was frozen at $198.00 per month. That agreement also contained provisions to increase the contribution amount to a maximum of $230.00 per month, effective July 1, 2016.
A national rail agreement is currently being negotiated and the new monthly contribution amount will remain in effect until modified.
How is the increase determined?
The formula used in determining the monthly employee contribution takes into account the Carriers Monthly Payment Rate for everything other than on-duty injury health care benefits, and the payment rates for benefits under The Railroad Employees National Dental Plan and The Railroad Employees National Vision Plan. The employee contribution is 15 percent of such monthly payment rates.
Amarillo.com reported that BNSF freight trains collided head-on this morning in the town of Panhandle, Texas, near Amarillo, creating a massive fireball and explosion that prompted a swift evacuation of Panhandle residents. Injuries and missing persons have been reported; at this time, no details have surfaced regarding those missing, or the number or severity of injuries. Read the complete story here.
Photo courtesy of Kayla Burks for Amarillo.com.
Amarillo.com reported that BNSF freight trains collided head-on this morning in the town of Panhandle, Texas, near Amarillo, creating a massive fireball and explosion that prompted a swift evacuation of Panhandle residents. Injuries and missing persons have been reported; at this time, no details have surfaced regarding those missing, or the number or severity of injuries. Read the complete story here. 
Photo courtesy of ABC News.
Dear Member:
Recently, Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert of Texas – one of the most conservative members of the U.S. House of Representatives – cosponsored our two-person crew legislation, H.R. 1763, the Safe Freight Act. This show of support follows cosponsorship from Congressman Trent Franks of Arizona, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. Both are considered among the most conservative members of Congress.
Why did Rep. Gohmert sign onto the bill? The simple answer is that one of our members asked him to. General Chairperson Steve Simpson’s office is located near Rep. Gohmert’s, and Steve decided to set up a meeting to engage the Congressman on our issues, including the need for two-person crews on all trains. Steve didn’t shy away because Rep. Gohmert is a conservative Republican; no, Steve’s attitude was that “this is my Congressman, and I will request a meeting.” They talked for more than an hour and Steve convinced this very conservative Republican that the only safe way to operate a train is with a crew of at least two people.
Arizona State Legislative Director Scott Jones lives in Congressman Franks’ district and decided to set up a meeting with his Congressman. Scott brought along a retired engineer who attends the same church as Congressman Franks and whose children attend bible study taught by the Congressman. Hearing from a trusted friend proved extremely effective as Congressman Franks came out of the meeting understanding the importance of two-person crews and became a cosponsor of H.R. 1763.
Last year, one of our bus members, Socorro Cisneros-Hernandez, had an upcoming meeting with Republican Congressman Paul Cook of California and contacted our office looking for talking points on our legislative priorities. Ms. Cisneros used the information we provided and had a very productive meeting with Congressman Cook, after which he agreed to cosponsor the Safe Freight Act.
Most recently, Greg Hynes and I met with another conservative Republican, Ryan Zinke of Montana. After a robust discussion about the two-person crew legislation, Congressman Zinke agreed to sign on as a cosponsor.
The lesson from all of these cases is that every member of Congress, regardless of party or ideology, should be viewed as a potential cosponsor of H.R. 1763. Our Washington team will continue to do our part, but when it comes to issues that some members of Congress may not be naturally inclined to support, our members – their constituents – are the ones who can make the most effective case.
To do your part, work with your state legislative director to set up a meeting with your Representative to ask that they cosponsor H.R. 1763. We can provide you with handouts and other materials to help. Our recent comments on the FRA’s crew size rule are a good source of information on this issue. If you do not know who your state legislative director is, a list can be found here.
If we are going to succeed in passing this bill, we need to be engaged at the local level. Special thanks to Brothers Steve Simpson, Scott Jones and Sister Socorro Cisneros-Hernandez for stepping up to the plate and taking the initiative in getting these new cosponsors.
Lastly, please visit the Legislative Action Center to contact your Representative about the Safe Freight Act and ask your coworkers to do the same.
In Solidarity,
John Risch
National Legislative Director
SMART Transportation Division
Santa Cruz Metro bus drivers narrowly avoided being laid off, when a new budget was reached Friday, June 24, saving the drivers’ jobs. The budget hinges on a pending sales tax ballot measure to be voted on by taxpayers in the November elections.
Metro approved a two-year budget on Friday that preserves the 146 full-time bus drivers’ jobs.
General Chairperson Eduardo Montesino told the Santa Cruz Sentinel that it’s important to get behind November’s tax ballot measure. According to the Sentinel, both members of Local 23 and management took last-minute concessions for the second consecutive year, saving the company the equivalent of three full-time jobs.
“If you support us, support us all the way. If you support Metro routes and service, be an advocate for the sales tax, because that’s one critical point. If we miss this opportunity, there will not be another one for years,” Montesino told the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Click here to read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
An Amtrak train stuck a minivan Sunday morning near Trinidad, Colo., killing two adults, three children and seriously injuring a fourth child.
Southwest Chief Amtrak Train 3 was traveling from Chicago to L.A. with 286 passengers when the accident occurred. None of the Amtrak passengers suffered any injuries as a result of the accident.
According to police, the van failed to yield the right of way to the train, which then struck the left side of the vehicle.
Read more from The Washington Post.