Author: amyr

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Dear Member,

How often have you heard the phrase, “this is the most important election in our lifetime?” Plenty, I’m sure. The truth is, every election is vote_button_2important, with the stakes being higher in a presidential election year — especially for rail, transit and airline workers and retirees who are directly impacted by administration regulations and Congressional votes.

There is still plenty of time to scrutinize the candidates and determine who will best represent our members, retirees and their families on our issues of concern. But now is the right time to ensure that you and your family are registered to vote at your current address, especially if you moved recently.

One of the simplest ways to verify your voter registration, or register to vote, is to visit the SMART TD Legislative Action Center. The following link will take you directly to the voter information page; just click on your state for complete information: http://www.congressweb.com/smart_transportation/voterinformation

I am proud to say that SMART TD members are more likely to be registered to vote, and more likely to vote, than the general public. Research shows that members consistently have a turnout rate of 10 to 20 percentage points higher than the average American worker or retiree. That means power at the ballot box. Although we are doing better than most, we still have room for improvement.

That is where you come in. If you are registered to vote, make a commitment to get your entire family registered; and if not currently registered to vote, make the commitment to register to vote – the future of working families may depend on it.

 In Solidarity,

 John Risch

National Legislative Director
SMART Transportation Division

 

Amtrak LogoThe Denver Post reported that, during 2015, revenues and ridership rose amidst successful attempts at preserving Amtrak’s embattled Southwest Chief route. 

Read the complete article here.

Tri-RailWPTV.com reported that a Tri-Rail train hit a garbage truck Monday morning, Jan. 4, in Lake Worth, Fla. 

More than twenty passengers were injured in the collision. Read the complete article here.

NTSB_logoThe Hutchinson News reported that a recently released NTSB investigation report indicates that UP contributed to the ‘probable cause’ of the 2014 collision of two UP freight trains near Galva, Kan. 

Read the complete article here.

Previsich
Previsich

As we remember 2015, we recall the moments that have defined the past year and look forward to forging a stronger path in the new year.

In these uncertain times, let us remember our Brothers and Sisters who came before us: all of those who stood united in the face of danger and against all odds—all of those who stood unified for the greater good. Their sacrifice, solidarity and resolve brought justice to the workplace, security for working families, and is the foundation of our country.

In these first few days of 2016, we stand united, and we stand with the spirit of those who walked the path before us. We carry the commitment to fight the good fight, and together, we welcome the brand new year with a sense of renewed hope, strength, gratitude and solidarity.

 I wish all Members and their families a happy and healthy new year.

 It was working men and women who made the 20th century the American century. It was the labor movement that helped secure so much of what we take for granted today.  The 40-hour work week, the minimum wage, family leave, health insurance, Social Security, Medicare, retirement plans.  The cornerstones of the middle-class security all bear the union label—President Barack Obama

November_2015_TD_News_Page_1The latest issue of the SMART Transportation Division News is an online-only edition. To view, click here. 

To view earlier editions of SMART TD News, click here.

STB_logoLast week, President Obama signed the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2015 into law, which realigned the STB an independent entity, autonomous of the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Yesterday, STB Chairman Daniel Elliott III released a summary that outlines the major points and details of the Act. To read the complete press release, click here.

On December 16, 2015, members of SMART Transportation Division’s Local 1440 (Staten Island, N.Y.) ratified a tentative agreement with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY MTA).
The ratified agreement includes a 15.88 percent pay increase with retroactive pay; improved sick leave, personal leave and holiday pay; and improved medical, dental and vision coverage.
“We thank the International for their continued support as we protect our members’ rights day in and day out for the best collective bargaining agreement possible,” said General Chairperson (GCA-Staten Island Railroad) Thomas Wilson.
Wilson led negotiations with the assistance of Legal Counsel David Davis; General Committee Secretary Carlos Sanchez; Vice Local Chairpersons Mike Hayes, Joel Rivera and Richard Moore; Local 1440 Secretary and Treasurer Vincent LaBella and former General Committee Secretary Joseph Palmieri.
“We express our gratitude to the members of Local 1440 and the negotiating team for their collaborative work and support on behalf of our NYC brothers and sisters to secure the best collective bargaining agreement possible,” SMART Transportation Division President John Previsich said.”
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The SMART Transportation Division is comprised of approximately 125,000 active and retired members of the former United Transportation Union, who work in a variety of different crafts in the transportation industry.
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY MTA) serves more than 15.2 million people in a 5,000-square-mile area that extends from New York City through Long Island, southeastern New York State and Connecticut – making it the largest transportation network in North America. This grid of subways, buses and railroad provide 2.73 billion trips each year to people living in the New York City corridor.