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2025 Layoffs Break Records for Non-union Workers

Brothers and Sisters,

It’s a simple fact: unions provide stability in an economy where predictability is rare.

Non-union workers suffer in many industries, but conditions are especially harsh in the technology sector. Workers are seen as expendable, and with a continuous supply of hungry computer science graduates, burnout (both physical and mental) is a normal operating procedure. We’re no strangers to this kind of grind, but we have something they don’t: Solidarity.

Most white-collar workers have come to expect mergers and mass layoffs, with little thought given by their leaders to the actual humans who make these companies run. They work with an understanding that they could find the door slammed in their face faster than they can pack up their desk.

One of the most well-known mass layoffs in the technology industry (and, in fact, record-breaking at the time) happened in 2002. Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) announced that it would cut thousands of jobs as part of its acquisition of Compaq Computer Corp, a merger that promised to “boost efficiencies” AKA Precision Scheduled Manufacturing.

In total, more than 17,000 workers lost their livelihoods in an instant.

It was a lose-lose situation: employees, seen as disposable, were put on the chopping block while the merger failed to meet its lofty, promised goals.

Without local representation or the protections provided by a union contract to safeguard their interests, these workers were ultimately lost to the footnotes of history.

More than 20 years later, this kind of move has become a standard procedure for many firms who need to clean up their financial forecasts, whether in finance, advertising or manufacturing, from Meta to Boeing to Verizon and beyond.

The unmentioned but common denominator? These are almost always non-union workers who lack the benefits and job protections that are a well-known hallmark of union membership.

Jobs that from the outside might be seen as flashy, cushy, or status-bearing usually carry little-to-no insulation from things like mass layoffs and at-will employment, where you can be fired without notice for any (or no) reason. As a result, more than 1 million workers lost their jobs without cause in 2025.

A union and a union contract are game changers.

In September, SMART-TD announced a landmark agreement with Union Pacific that puts a promise in writing: our members working in train and yardmaster service will have job protection for the length of their careers following the carrier’s merger with Norfolk Southern, subject to the usual requirements for continued employment.

This is an unprecedented guarantee in the history of American railroading that underscores the importance of belonging to a union and why having a voice in the workplace is critical.

When the agreement was announced, we didn’t mince words: the biggest railroad and biggest rail union in America were breaking new ground that protects jobs, families, and the future of the U.S. supply chain.

Or take our brothers and sisters at the Port Terminal Railroad Association.

A disturbing pattern emerged over the past several years indicating ongoing disregard for union agreements, safety obligations, and basic respect for the workforce at that railroad.

We fought for our Yardmasters and PTRA management got our message: this behavior will not be tolerated and will stop now.

What’s been most notable, however, is the solidarity between crafts on the property.

Although represented by several different unions, Yardmasters, engineers, conductors, and maintenance workers have proven that unity and solidarity are the best protections against intimidation.

That’s the union difference at work.

We aren’t disposable: as a member of a union your brothers and sisters are there to protect and fight for one another, to lend a hand when one is needed, and to show our strength when management decides to overlook that we are human beings. We are not line-items in a financial report, and they owe us their respect.

Like all families, unions are far from perfect. No organization is without flaws. But when the going gets tough, we get tougher. This determination is what ensures we don’t become another statistic in an article about the latest 10,000-head layoff.

Instead we have a voice at work, and have legal protections from mistreatment. We’ve got each other’s backs; from the day you receive your union card until it’s time to retire.

That’s the value of being in a union, and why we fight to protect our SMART-TD family.

In solidarity,

Jeremy Ferguson

President, SMART Transportation Division

The amounts of compensation subject to Railroad Retirement Tier I and Tier II payroll taxes will increase in 2026, while the tax rates on employers and employees will remain unchanged. In addition, unemployment insurance contribution rates paid by railroad employers will not include a surcharge, as continued improvement in the rail economy has kept the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Account at a healthy balance, according to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

Tier I and Medicare Tax

The Railroad Retirement Tier I payroll tax rate on covered rail employers and employees for 2026 remains 7.65%, identical to the Social Security tax rate. For withholding and reporting purposes, Tier I is divided into:

6.20% for retirement

1.45% for Medicare hospital insurance

The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the 6.20% Tier I retirement portion will increase from $176,100 in 2025 to $184,500 in 2026. As in previous years, there is no maximum on earnings subject to the 1.45% Medicare portion.

An additional 0.9% Medicare payroll tax applies to individuals earning more than $200,000, or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly. Employers begin withholding the additional Medicare tax when an employee’s wages exceed $200,000. The final amount owed or refunded is calculated with the individual’s federal income tax return.

Tier II Tax

Railroad Retirement Tier II tax rates will remain unchanged for 2026 at:

4.9% for employees

13.1% for employers

The maximum amount of earnings subject to Tier II taxes will increase from $130,800 in 2025 to $137,100 in 2026.

Tier II tax rates are based on an average account benefits ratio reflecting the balance of the Railroad Retirement system. By law, employee Tier II rates may range from 0% to 4.9%, while employer rates may vary between 8.2% and 22.1%, depending on funding levels.

Unemployment Insurance Contributions

The employers (not employees) pay railroad unemployment insurance contributions, which are experience-rated by the employer. Under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA), a surcharge is applied when the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Account balance falls to or below certain indexed thresholds.

The account balance was approximately $405.3 million as of June 30, 2025, down from $454.8 million the prior year. Surcharges are triggered when the balance is at or below $100 million, indexed to $173.0 million as of June 30, 2025. Because the account remains well above that threshold, no surcharge will apply in 2026, continuing the surcharge-free years of 2024 and 2025.

Unemployment insurance contribution rates for railroad employers in 2026 will range from:

0.65% (minimum)

12.0% (maximum)
applied to monthly compensation up to $2,150, an increase from $2,065 in 2025.

In 2026:

91% of covered employers will pay the minimum 0.65% rate

3% will pay the maximum 12.0% rate

New employers will pay 5.58%, reflecting the average contribution rate paid during 2022–2024.

Railroad Retirement & Unemployment Insurance Tax Table — 2026

Tax Type	Rate-Employee	Rate- Employer	Annual Taxable Maximum	Annual Tax Amount Employer
Tier 1 – Medicare	1.45%	1.45%	No Maximum	No Maximum
Tier 1 – Railroad Retirement	6.20%	6.20%	$184,500.00	$11,439.00
Tier 2 – Railroad Retirement	4.90%	13.10%	$137,100.00	$17,948.10
Total	12.55%	20.75%	—	$29,387.10

* Additional Medicare Tax: Employees pay an extra 0.9% Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (individual) or $250,000 (joint filers). This additional tax is not reflected in the percentage rates above.

Note: Tier I Medicare and Tier I Railroad Retirement tax rates are equivalent to the 2026 Social Security tax rates. Tier II Railroad Retirement tax rates do not apply to employees covered under Social Security

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Independence, OH — 11/28/25 — Members of SMART-TD working on Union Pacific (UP) properties have decisively voted to ratify the 2025 Tentative Agreement (TA), with over 80 percent of ballots cast in favor. This is a clear signal of overwhelming support for the contract.

After nearly a year of determined negotiations, SMART-TD and UP reached a TA that mirrors the recently ratified national pattern agreement while securing additional, critical protections tailored for our UP members.

What the Agreement Delivers

Substantial Wage Increases — The contract provides a compounded wage increase of 18.77 percent over the five-year life of the agreement, as detailed in the national SMART-TD agreement ratified on October 30, 2025.
Enhanced Benefits & Quality-of-Life Improvements — Members will see strengthened health benefits (medical, dental, vision), improved vacation accrual, and other quality-of-life enhancements reflected in the national agreement.
Critical Protections for UP Members — Importantly, the TA resolves longstanding issues unique to UP:
- It ends the rail carrier’s two-decade-long practice of deducting “outside earnings” from back pay awards in wrongful termination cases. This is a major win for fairness and financial security.
- It ensures fully reinstated members are made whole, reimbursing medical premiums and expenses incurred while awaiting arbitration decisions.
- It expands meal allowances in recognition of the changing costs rail workers bear on duty.

A Strong Vote of Confidence

The decisive “yes” vote demonstrates members’ trust in SMART-TD’s bargaining team and the value placed on the protections and improvements secured under the TA. The overwhelming results affirm that the membership believes this contract moves the union and its members forward, materially improving wages, benefits, and job security.

“This ratification reflects our members’ unified voice and confidence in what was negotiated,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “The decisive support underscores a shared commitment to preserving good jobs, strong benefits, and fairness for all members working on Union Pacific. I want to thank all of the General Chairpersons and their General Committees from our Union Pacific properties for their hard work negotiating this agreement. Their leadership in this process will protect our people and their families’ interests over the next five years.”

What Comes Next

With ratification confirmed, the TA becomes binding. UP-employed SMART-TD members will begin receiving the agreed wage increases, benefit enhancements, and the new protections outlined in the agreement. Union leadership encourages all members to review the full text of the agreement. This includes the wage schedule, benefit provisions, and protections. SMART-TD wants to ensure our UP members have a full understanding of what was won.

SMART-TD remains committed to representing the interests of all its members. Though this agreement covers those on UP properties, the union continues its work across all railroads to ensure every member benefits from strong contracts now and into the future.

For more information or to connect with SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson or a member of his staff, please contact:

Dan Banks
dbanks@smart-union.org
(216) 227-5283 (Office)
(330) 322-5949 (Cell)

Alyssa Hansen
alyssa.hansen@smart-union.org

Alliance, Nebraska — Aaron “A.J.” Hamburger Jr. will take the stage at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the National Honors Bands Performance Series. A.J. is the son of BNSF conductor and SMART-TD Local 934 (Alliance, Nebraska) Vice Local Chairperson Aaron Hamburger. On February 8, 2026, out of more than 10,000 applicants worldwide, A.J. will join only 350 other students on stage.

A.J. will perform on his clarinet with the Honors Band, a distinction that recognizes the very best young musicians worldwide. His nomination came from his middle school band director, Shannon Kinsella, whose mentorship helped spark A.J.’s passion for music. After being nominated as an 8th grader, A.J. then recorded four audition pieces in the summer before his freshman year at Alliance High School. A.J.’s performance earned him a place among performers who are typically high school upperclassmen.

Help Cover A.J.’s Travel Expenses

A.J. and his family are raising funds to help cover travel expenses from Nebraska to New York for this extraordinary opportunity. Supporters can contribute through the family’s GoFundMe page:

Help A.J. Perform at Carnegie Hall ►

Talent That Runs in the Family

Music runs deep in the Hamburger family. Aaron Sr. himself played trombone in high school and college, earning a scholarship to attend Western Nebraska Community College, where he performed collegiately before beginning his railroad career. A.J. is being recognized by the National Honors Bands Performance Series for his ability to play his primary instrument (the clarinet), but he doesn’t just play one instrument. He plays eight of them! From woodwinds to brass and percussion, he’s been the kind of student every band director dreams of: a musical “utility player” who can fill in wherever needed. Even as a freshman, A.J. has stood out as the go-to musician who makes the band stronger, deeper, and more dynamic.

A Proud Reflection of the Railroading Life

Railroading is a profession defined by a shared goal: providing opportunity for loved ones.

We go to work every day, fully aware of the dangers. When we see our kids taking advantage of the opportunities our labor provides and when they chase their dreams, it makes the long nights and missed holidays worth it. It justifies the sacrifice.

A.J. embodies that spirit. His work ethic, passion, and versatility are proof that the efforts of his dad’s railroading life have helped create new opportunities for the next generation.

A.J.’s career goals include being a “conductor.” Of course, A.J.’s version of conducting is a bit different from his dad’s!

About the Honors Performance Series

The Honors Performance Series gives top student musicians from around the world the chance to perform at venues like Carnegie Hall, working alongside renowned conductors and peers. “We processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and selected the most talented student performers from around the world. Performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget,” said Marion Gomez, Music Director for the Honors Performance Series.

Tickets for the February 8th performance will be available through the Carnegie Hall box office, and the event is open to the public.

November 24, 2025 — Washington, D.C.

According to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) data, trespasser and suicide-related incidents now account for 50 percent of all transit-related fatalities reported in 2024. Between 2016 and 2024, these events have risen sharply, with major incidents up 71 percent, fatalities up 70 percent, and injuries up 65 percent.

Today, the FTA issued safety advisory 25-1: reducing rail trespassing and suicide events. They are calling on state safety oversight agencies and rail transit agencies to take stronger action to identify and mitigate hazards related to these events on their properties.

FTA Recommendations

The advisory directs these organizations to:

Use their Safety Management Systems (SMS) to proactively identify hazards and assess risks related to trespassing and suicide events.

Actively develop and implement mitigation strategies to reduce the likelihood and severity of these incidents.

Monitor and measure the effectiveness of those mitigations through ongoing safety performance procedures.

Support for Rail Crews

For the men and women who operate passenger and commuter trains daily, these incidents represent a tragic reality. By the time a person enters the gauge of the tracks, it is often already too late to react. The emotional and operational toll of these events is profound, underscoring the need for prevention and mental health support for all involved.

FTA has hosted webinars and developed mental health resources for transit workers, emphasizing both public safety and the well-being of employees exposed to traumatic events. They also have published a Mental Health Resources for Transit Workers web page ► which highlights many resources for railroaders who have been involved in these tragic incidents.

Using the page, railroaders can connect with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institute of Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other organizations that provide counseling and care.

Moving Forward

SMART-TD encourages all passenger and commuter rail members to review this advisory and remain vigilant for potential hazards. The union will continue to work with federal partners and transit agencies to promote effective safety practices and ensure the protection of both rail workers and the traveling public.

For additional details, please read the full text of Safety Advisory 25-1 ►

On the evening of November 15, Norfolk Southern conductor Brian McLucas was at work when he received a call that no one wanted to get: his home in Morrow, Ohio was on fire.

Fortunately, his wife, Ashley, and their two young daughters were able to escape quickly and safely, but the house and everything inside of it is a total loss.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, Brother McLucas (Local 1190, Ludlow, KY) and his family are now facing a devastating situation.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the McLucas family start over and ensure that their girls are able to enjoy a joyous holiday season. Any help would be appreciated if you are financially able and willing to donate.

McLucas Fire Recovery Fund ►

The McLucas family are beloved members of the Little Miami community and are known for their commitment to making their town a better place, participating in Fourth of July celebrations and Halloween events.

Thank you for demonstrating once again how our union steps up when one of our own is in need, especially during the holidays.

Bringing Railroader Grit and Union Values to Local Government

TAMA, IOWA — Brother Chris Smith, SMART-TD’s Iowa Safety & Legislative Director, is taking his trademark fight for working people from the rail yards to City Hall. Smith was elected to an at-large seat on the Tama, Iowa City Council in his first-ever campaign for public office.

Public service runs deep in Smith’s blood. His father served the City of Tama in the same role for 18 years. Watching his dad work to make Tama a better place through the 1990s left a lasting impression. “Seeing my dad serve taught me just how many people one person could help in that position,” Smith told SMART News. “He was pragmatic and saved the city a lot of tax dollars by applying common sense to the issues it faced. I want to bring that same mentality back to my community.”

That sense of responsibility rooted in honesty, hard work, and accountability is what drives Smith both as a union leader and now as a public servant. “I look at the city’s budget just like I do our members’ dues money,” he said. “I know how hard our members work for every dollar, and as an officer of SMART-TD, I take pride in being a good steward of their contributions. Local governments owe taxpayers that same respect.”

From the Statehouse to City Hall: The Same Relentless Advocate

Since taking over as State Legislative Director (SLD) for SMART-TD in Iowa, Brother Smith has built a reputation as a passionate, no-nonsense advocate for rail workers. He’s known in the statehouse for being “nobody’s yes man.” Whether challenging bad legislation or demanding accountability from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, Smith’s approach is grounded in one principle: the people he represents deserve results, not lip service.

He’s taken Iowa’s State Legislative Board from a difficult financial position to solid ground, proving his ability to manage resources and make every dollar count. It’s that same discipline and fight he now brings to the City of Tama.

Fighting for Accountability

Smith’s journey into local politics started when he challenged a proposed 24% property tax hike. When city officials failed to provide clear answers about how the extra money would be spent, Smith showed up at a council meeting to demand transparency. “I wanted them to be accountable for every dollar they were asking for,” he recalled. “By the end of that meeting, the proposed increase dropped from 24% to 16%. That’s when I realized that using a little accountability and common sense could make a big difference — and that I had more work to do.”

As Smith continued attending meetings, his railroader’s instinct for practical problem-solving kicked in again. This time, he had to play defense when Union Pacific Railroad came knocking. The railroad offered Tama a one-time payout to close one of its five crossings, which city leaders initially viewed as a financial windfall. But Smith wasn’t fooled.

Drawing on 20 years as a conductor and brakeman, he knew that nothing is as good as the railroad makes it out to be. He took it on himself to find the flaws in the deal, and it wasn’t hard! UP’s offer was eight times less than what it had paid a neighboring city for a similar closure, and the proposed shutdown would have cut off part of Tama from emergency services. Even worse, the city would have incurred a financial loss after investing in quiet zone upgrades that UP had no intention of reimbursing.

Once Smith laid out the facts, the city reversed course and refused to get “railroaded” by a bad deal. It was a defining moment for Brother Smith and the taxpayers of Tama. “That’s when I knew I had to step up,” he said.

A Railroader’s Approach to Public Service

For Smith, running for City Council wasn’t about personal ambition or padding his bank account (Tama City Council pays $25 a half); it was about duty. “Instead of being the noisy guy in the back with ideas on how other people could do the job better, I decided to do the job myself,” he said.

When he takes office in January 2026, Tama will have a new kind of local leader, one who treats taxpayer money with the same integrity he brings to managing union funds, and who won’t bow to pressure from big corporations or political elites.

“I’m bringing the SMART-TD mentality to City Hall,” Smith said. “If one of us doesn’t count, then none of us count. I’ll fight for my community the same way I fight for our members.”

With a proven record of financial stewardship, political courage, and a deep respect for working people, Brother Chris Smith is poised to make sure that the City of Tama, Iowa remains in the hands of those who truly care about its people.

Brother Smith’s success shows what can happen when SMART-TD members bring their values, work ethic, and sense of accountability into public service. If you’re a member interested in running for office, whether it’s local, state, or national, SMART-TD’s Safety and Legislative Department is ready to help. We have tools to assist with targeting and messaging in all types of races, just like the ones Chris used in his campaign. Every time one of our members steps into the political arena, our union’s voice grows stronger. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and take that first step toward making a difference in your community.

As healthcare costs climb across the country, SMART-TD members under the National Freight Rail Agreement are in a uniquely secure position. While the vast majority of America braces for record-breaking premium hikes, at $308.49 per month, railroaders’ 2026 monthly healthcare contributions remain slightly below the $309.21 that went into effect in 2023.

It is understandable that none of us are celebrating our monthly contributions going up by almost $31 in 2026, but the fact that the carriers’ rates (and therefore our contributions) have remained at or below the same level for four consecutive years is astonishing.

Monthly Out of Pocket Premiums by Year

Even more impressive is the fact that the vast majority of organized rail labor – including most SMART-TD members – have ratified agreements that provide added health & welfare benefits.

By comparison, many hard-working Americans are being forced to absorb unsustainable rate hikes in 2026. But before we get to that, let’s keep in mind the fact that our healthcare benefits are better than literally anything that can be bought on the open market. The closest thing that can compare is a “Platinum” level plan under the open market, and the out-of-pocket costs for getting care under those plans still fall short of our nationally negotiated benefits.

A National Perspective: What the Rest of America Is Paying

In March 2025, Forbes Magazine published data showing the steep cost of healthcare for Americans under unsubsidized private marketplace plans. The report, based on Healthcare.gov data, revealed the following average monthly premiums:

2025 Premiums by Age (average unsubsidized platinum plan)

By comparison, SMART-TD rail members will pay a flat rate of $308.49 per month in 2026, regardless of their age and regardless of how many dependents are on their plan. Even the youngest workers who benefit from lower private insurance rates will pay nearly 40% more than they would under our healthcare plan.

Moreover, as a result of Congress not allocating funding to subsidize some of those costs, the average American with private health insurance is expected to see a 26% increase in their 2026 premiums!

This results in a 21-year-old railroader under our national agreement having $6,018 in his/her pocket at the end of the year, and our 60-year-old members will have saved $22,662 by the end of 2026. Both of these numbers are in comparison to what they would have paid in premiums compared to the private plan that is the closest to matching our benefit level.

But That’s Private Insurance. What About Other Employer-Sponsored Plans?

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s (KFF) 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, the average employee contribution for family coverage went from $543.25 per month in 2023, to $570.83 per month in 2025.

That trend is expected to continue at the same rate into 2026 and beyond. Keep in mind that these numbers are also for average healthcare plan benefits – not our exceptional railroad benefits. Railroaders’ costs went from $309.21 per month in 2023, to $308.49 per month in 2026.

Another interesting statistic provided by the KFF is that in 2025, the average non-Union employee paid a 29% contribution toward premiums for family coverage, while the average Union employee paid 21%. SMART-TD national railroad members pay only 15%.

So What Gives? What Makes us Different?

Aside from the obvious – our strong Union and our collective bargaining process – our overall funding and rates have remained stable for several factors. Some of those factors are beyond our control, such as the number of complex cases and high ($1M+) claims, and the overall economic health of our country. Many other factors are in fact under our control, including how we jointly manage our healthcare plans with the Carriers. There are constant decisions being made behind the scenes that do not have any visible impact on our members but can save (or sometimes recover) healthcare plan spending to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

In fact, many members are unaware that the premiums for our healthcare plan increased by 1.8% in 2024, by another 3.3% in 2025, and by another 8.7% for 2026. However, we were able to reach agreements with the Carriers to use hundreds of millions in savings to not only offset but completely cancel out and reverse those increases.

But our Healthcare Used to be FREE! We Didn’t Have to Pay Anything! What Happened?

It’s true that we didn’t have to make monthly contributions long ago, however, our healthcare benefits have never been free. Back in 1954-1955, the Unions that later merged to form the UTU each negotiated agreements that provided an option for each General Committee (by vote of its members) to join a group healthcare insurance plan. For opting-in to that healthcare plan, the members gave up a portion of the hourly wage increases in those agreements. Adjusted for inflation, and assuming a 40-hour work week at the Yard Foreman rate, the 2025 equivalent of those wages is $124.89 per month. With those agreements, every single General Committee chose the healthcare coverage over the wage increases. It was a no-brainer.

As for our monthly contributions, copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums, the Unions never agreed to them. They were imposed in 1991 by Presidential Emergency Board #219. Not only did PEB #219 impose these costs, but it also required that these issues be open to further negotiations in all rounds of future bargaining. It’s something that we’ve had to face ever since, and it will continue to come up, whether we like it or not (we don’t).

The fact is that yes, we are paying more out of pocket for our healthcare than we did in decades past, but that statement alone does not tell the whole story. The Carriers are also paying more – a disproportionately higher amount – and over the decades our agreements have provided wage increases that more than make up for our out of pocket healthcare costs.

Perspective and Pride

From groceries to utilities, inflation has affected every corner of the American household budget, and healthcare has been one of the most volatile costs of all. Thanks to strong national bargaining and responsible management of our benefits, SMART-TD members have been shielded on this front.

So while the 2026 adjustment represents a modest correction from the historic out-of-pocket reduction in 2025, it’s worth emphasizing what sets us apart:

Our members are paying less in 2026 than in 2023.

No age-based or family coverage surcharges. Everyone pays the same low rate.

We remain far below national averages, even for the youngest and healthiest Americans.

The Bottom Line

In all reality, it is reasonable to expect healthcare costs to increase over time. It’s an unfortunate reality that all Americans have faced for decades and will continue to face until (or unless) Congress does something to fix it. It would be foolish to believe that on a long enough timeline, our healthcare costs aren’t going to increase. It would be equally foolish to believe that SMART-TD will fail to secure wage increases and other improvements that will more than offset those added costs.

In the meantime, we remain committed to responsibly managing our healthcare benefits, while also fighting for improvements and finding ways to lower costs. It’s a fight we are accustomed to, because we have been doing it since the mid-1950’s. We have a long, proud track record of proven results, and we have no intention to let up in that fight.

* Year-over-year ACA averages are based on Forbes published 2025 average for a 30-year-old with a platinum plan, modified by year-over-year premium changes as published by the state of Colorado for their healthcare marketplace. “Statewide increases were 5.6% in 2025, 9.7% in 2024, 10.4% in 2023 and 1.1% in 2022.” Actual rates for your state may vary.

The Massachusetts Senate will vote on a crucial bill tomorrow (Thursday, November 6) at approximately 11:00 a.m.

If your schedule allows, please attend tomorrow’s hearing to remind legislators that our transit brothers and sisters deserve the strongest protections possible.

The bill, S. 2531, ensures that public and private transit workers receive the same protection from violent assaults as public employees. Rising violence in public transit is a problem that’s too common nationwide.

“We’ve got the momentum on our side, but we can’t let up now,” said SMART-TD’s New England Safety and Legislative Director Dave Stevenson. “With the help of our SMART-TD family, I’m confident that we can get this legislation over the finish line and make it clear that transit safety is an urgent issue. Let’s get this done!”

SMART-TD members are asked to attend the hearing to show our support for the legislation.

On October 22, the Massachusetts House unanimously passed its version of the bill by a vote of 160-0, sending a clear message that lawmakers see the urgent need for this legislation. Support for the bill in the Senate is strong, but no lawmakers’ vote can be taken for granted. If passed tomorrow, the bill will be one step closer to being signed into law.

Make the Punishment Fit the Crime

S. 2531 guarantees that contracted transit employees, such as Keolis Commuter Services conductors, engineers, and onboard crews, are granted the same legal protections against assaults as their counterparts working directly for public transit authorities. 

Currently assault on a public employee in Massachusetts carries a penalty of up to 120 days in jail or a maximum $5,000 fine

If passed, the bill would ensure that this same punishment would also apply to transit workers employed by private companies like Keolis, which employs over 500 SMART-TD members.

S. 2531 also adds “bodily fluids” to the definition of an assault, which imposes strong incentives for passengers assaulting our members with their spit or urine.

Assaults on Keolis Employees Continue to Rise

Cole Czub, chairperson of Local 898 and vice chairperson of SMART-TD’s Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee, points out that this isn’t an issue that exists in a vacuum: it’s a real problem that our members face every day.

“I refuse to let our SMART-TD brothers and sisters who work for Keolis fall through the cracks because of an unintended loophole in the current law,” said Czub. “If passage of this bill results in one less headline about yet another violent attack on public transportation, that’s a win for transit safety across the country.”

SMART News has covered the issue of transit assault in-depth, and we will continue to highlight this glaring problem until all bus and transit operators can perform their jobs with the utmost professionalism in the safest environment possible.

Passage of this bill gets us one step closer to one day making that a reality.

Support S. 2531 and help strengthen transit safety in New England!

TRENTON, N.J. — November 4, 2025. (Election Day)
On this Election Day, one of the most energetic and inspiring Get Out the Vote efforts in the country is being led by none other than SMART-TD’s New Jersey and Delaware Safety and Legislative Director Ron Sabol.

In addition to his duties with SMART-TD, Brother Sabol serves as Vice President of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, the Secretary Treasurer of the Mercer County Central Labor Council, the President of the New Jersey Society for Environmental and Economic Development, and as a member of the Mercer County Advisory Council on Special Transportation.

A Get Out the Vote Effort Rooted in Labor Values

Brother Sabol’s mission is to put people who come from and stand with labor. This is not about political parties; it’s about principles. It’s about putting people who understand the struggles, values, and dignity of working families into public offices at every level.

Sabol is campaigning out of IBEW Local 269’s hall in Trenton, New Jersey. He is working with the President of the Mercer County Central Labor Council, Michelle Liebtag (CWA Local 1036), coordinating an impressive, multi-union operation. More than 500 union members organized in two shifts are canvassing neighborhoods, driving voters to the polls, and making calls to ensure labor’s candidates and priorities are well-represented in today’s Garden State elections.

The morning shift included SMART-TD and SMART members alongside electricians from the IBEW, plumbers and pipefitters, and painters. As the day progressed, reinforcements from AFSCME and the CWA joined for an afternoon push.

The effort has drawn attention and support from major figures in the state. New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy lent her energy and voice to the during the morning push. Later in the day, Lieutenant Governor candidate Dale Caldwell, who’s running alongside SMART-TD ally Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, joined our volunteers to thank labor members for their dedication and tireless work.

Liz Shuler, the President of the nation’s largest labor federation, the AFL-CIO, got involved in Ron’s effort and came to the IBEW hall to deliver a message to our people to keep the fight up all the way until the polls close tonight.

*AFL-CIO National President Liz Shuler Rallies the troops at NJ’s Labor GOTV operation*

Supporting Labor Candidates from the Ground Up

This effort initially began in support of Mikie Sherrill’s gubernatorial campaign, who is a proven ally of New Jersey’s transportation trades workers. Sabol and his team have expanded their focus to campaign for additional labor candidates running at the county, city, and state levels.

“Ronnie knows that labor’s strength isn’t just in the workplace—it’s at the ballot box,” said Jared Cassity, SMART-TD’s National Safety & Legislative Director. “He’s showing us what it looks like when labor stands together, works together, and votes together.”

These campaigns support union brothers and sisters who have taken their experience in the labor movement and are now stepping up to lead in public office.

*Left: Brother John Shea III (AFL-CIO COPE Director) Right: SMART-TD New Jersey SLD Ron Sabol*

Leading by Example: A Call to Action

Our union’s power grows when we engage in our democracy. That means knocking on doors, driving voters to the polls, or even running for office yourself! One great example of this is our SMART Brother out of Sheet Metal Local 27, John Wittington. Brother Wittington is on the ballot in East Windsor, New Jersey, where he is using his know-how as a Business Agent for Local 27 to help his effort to run for Town Council. You don’t have to run for Governor to make a difference! Labor’s voice matters most when it’s active, visible, and united.

SMART-TD encourages all members who have an interest in public service at any level, from any political party, to reach out to their State Legislative Board or the SMART-TD National Legislative Department for guidance, mentorship, and support.

Today in Mercer County, the future is being built by union hands and led by one of our own.

Thank you, Brother Sabol, for showing us what labor leadership looks like in action.