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For Immediate Release:

Jacksonville, FL – September 29, 2025:

SMART-TD General Chairpersons of CSX, Rick Lee (B&O/NMAD), Brian Killough (L&N/CSRA), Joe Bennet (SCL/CSRA), and Travis Raynes (C&O/CSRA), representing the largest portion of CSX’s workforce in train and engine service, issued the following statement regarding the transition of leadership at CSX:

“With the appointment of Steve Angel as CSX’s new Chief Executive Officer, SMART TD hopes that this change can mark the beginning of a true reset in the relationship between CSX management, the union, and the employees we represent. The men and women who keep CSX running every day deserve more than slogans and public relations campaigns. They deserve honesty, respect, and meaningful investment in their future.

Outgoing CEO Joe Hinrichs often portrayed a willingness to collaborate and personally committed to being involved in employee matters, citing his past experience with the UAW as proof that he understood the value of engagement. In practice, those commitments were never honored during his time at CSX. Despite repeated outreach, Hinrichs remained silent when critical issues were raised. On matters such as the combining of freight pools, the constant issuance of switching limit changes designed to shrink the railroad between terminal points, and repeated attempts to circumvent established pool boundaries, his responses were perfunctory at best. These hollow reassurances failed to address the real problems, leaving employees increasingly frustrated and deeply mistrustful. At the same time, Hinrichs often pointed to his informal correspondence with employees via email and at Family Days as a measure of engagement, yet he consistently sidestepped the elected representatives chosen to speak for those employees. This approach disregarded the established role of SMART TD and the craft unions and reflected a lack of respect for the collective voice of the workforce.

The disconnect was profound. While Hinrichs celebrated “ONE CSX” Family Days and other highly publicized initiatives, CSX spent more on these PR driven events than on tangible improvements for its train and engine service employees. Family Days are not inherently negative, but they became a substitute for fair investment in the workforce, a symbolic gesture that concealed rather than resolved the deepening divide between CSX management, SMART TD, and the employees we represent.

The reality is that under Hinrichs’ tenure, the relationship between CSX management, SMART TD, and the employees we represent sank to all-time lows. Negotiations over Articles V, VI, and VII of the 2022 National Agreement were driven into arbitration because CSX chose brinkmanship over genuine compromise, a strategy that deepened disparity and animosity among the T&E workforce. In addition, after the Tentative Agreement reached under Section 6 bargaining was rejected by a strong majority of the membership, CSX refused to advance any new proposals and instead filed for mediation, effectively abandoning further local bargaining. Meanwhile, day-to-day disputes over overtime, switching limits, and a wide range of existing agreement provisions that CSX continues to arbitrarily challenge have only continued to pile up without resolution. The employees we represent—thousands across the CSX network—have been misled, stonewalled, and treated as obstacles rather than valued partners.

We welcome Mr. Angel to his new role and urge him to break this cycle. Repairing the fractured relationship between CSX management, SMART TD, and its workforce cannot be an afterthought. The ball is now in CSX’s court: if there is to be a truly collaborative initiative, it must begin with repairing trust and delivering on commitments, not empty slogans.

SMART TD remains ready to engage constructively, but our members have heard enough promises. What they need now are actions, real investment, real respect, and a real partnership worthy of the sacrifices they make every day to keep CSX running.”

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If you have any questions or would like to be connected with any of the General Chairpersons who are party to this press release, please contact:

Dan Banks

SMART-TD

Government/Public Relations

dbanks@smart-union.org

(330) 322-5949 (Cell)

Today (September 19), lawmakers introduced the No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act, a bipartisan bill that extends the overtime tax exemption to rail workers. If the bill passes and is signed into law, overtime worked by railroaders will qualify for the same federal tax deduction that millions of other workers will receive starting next year.

When Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Actin July,it did not cover our rail members and other employees covered under the Railway Labor Act.

At the time, SMART-TD’s National Safety & Legislative Director Jared Cassity promised to address this oversight. “This isn’t over. If the rest of the blue-collar workforce gets relief on overtime taxes, so should rail workers.”

Today, that promise is one step closer to being delivered.

How You Can Help

The bill (H.R. 5475) is designed to move quickly, with the goal of passing before tax season. The strategy is deliberately bipartisan and has strong support on both sides of the aisle.

Please contact your Representative and ask them to co-sponsor the No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act. The stronger the support, the faster we can secure this relief for railroad families.

Bipartisan, Drafted with Union Assistance

The bill is spearheaded by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-OH), who worked closely with SMART-TD and other labor partners to champion this cause. They were joined by Reps. Nick LaLota (R-NY), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY).

Railroaders Deserve Equal Treatment

Taxing our overtime at the same or higher rates than regular income has long been a sore topic. Railroaders deserve the same financial relief already granted to millions of other workers.

Railroad work doesn’t stop for weekends, holidays, or family events. Our members sacrifice personal time to keep freight and passengers moving safely and efficiently across the country. The overtime we earn isn’t a bonus: it’s mandatory, and it comes at the cost of long hours and time away from loved ones.

SMART-TD Successfully Lobbies for Fairness

“This expansion is about fairness,” said Cassity. “It shows that when workers speak up together, we can move Congress. The men and women who keep America’s trains running shouldn’t be treated differently from any other worker when it comes to overtime pay.”

SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson added: “We are proud of the bipartisan leadership shown by Representatives Malliotakis and Sykes, along with their colleagues from both parties. They listened to us, they heard our case, and they acted. Our members are the backbone of America’s supply chain, and now their sacrifices are being respected in the tax code. We owe it to ourselves to keep the pedal down and make sure this gets passed in both the House and Senate and signed into law.”

United We Win

From the 4,300 members who sent messages to their Senators in July, to the ongoing efforts of our legislative team in Washington, this bill is proof that collective action works.

As Cassity said back in July: “This isn’t over.” Today, it’s clear that he meant it. Thanks to member activism and bipartisan champions in Congress, railroaders are being recognized in the fight for tax fairness.

June 15, 1950 – September 15, 2025

The rail labor community has lost a pioneer, a protector, and a brother in the fight.

York D. Poole, III—known to railroaders across the Eastern United States as simply “York”—passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, in his hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, at the age of 75.

For half a century, York fought to defend railroaders from the abusive practices of the corporations that employed them. His success as the first dedicated investigator revolutionized the way Designated Legal Counsel (DLC) firms gather evidence to defend railroad workers.

A Trailblazer for Railroaders’ Rights

In 1975, Willard J. Moody Sr., founder of The Moody Law Firm, hired York as the very first investigator. Before York, attorneys often relied on insurance representatives and clerical staff for background assistance, but there was no one gathering evidence directly from the yards and accident sites. Moody and York changed that.

As the now-head of the firm Will Moody reflected:

“Nobody who met York ever seemed to forget him.”

He became the eyes and ears for railroaders fighting back. He was out on the tracks, in the yards, and at the accident scenes collecting witness statements, photographing unsafe conditions, and building the evidence needed to level the playing field against powerful rail corporations.

From that day forward, York wasn’t just doing a job. He was building a profession that others would follow.

“When I came on board, my father assigned me to work with York and learn the craft of defending railroaders. York taught me not only how to take witness statements, but also how to treat people. He was a natural,” Moody explained.

So transformative was York’s role that upon his retirement this year, it took seven investigators to cover the territory he had once managed on his own.

A Familiar Face, A Trusted Friend

York’s work carried him from Virginia throughout the Eastern United States. Despite his vast territory, he somehow managed to make himself a regular in every local meeting. As Ronnie Hobbs, SMART-TD’s Virginia State Safety and Legislative Director, put it:

“The reason York was so good at his job and so well loved, was that he treated everyone as equals. He saw every railroader as worthy of his respect and wasn’t intimidated by any railroad manager. He gave everyone his time and full attention.”

It was this ability to connect, to listen, and to fight with dignity that made him unforgettable. He matched wits against the stacked deck railroaders faced every day, and he did it with class.

Born to be an Investigator

What few know is that when York started with the Moody firm, he intended to pursue a career as a lawyer himself. As he was learning the job, he fell in love with fighting the railroad. He decided to change course and remained in the investigator role he had invented.

At his retirement party, held just days before his passing, he made it clear why: he loved what he did. He loved defending his brothers and sisters in rail labor.

From the first day in 1975 until his last day in 2025, York was committed to shielding workers from physical harm, unjust discipline, and career-ending retaliation. His work was not just a job; it was a calling.

The Man Behind the Mission

Beyond his professional legacy, York was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was stubborn, hilarious, endlessly generous, and—above all—devoted to his family.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan Poole; his children Tiffany Romano (Michael Romano) and Kip Poole (Kristin Poole); his cherished grandchildren Colin, Ellie, and Grace; and his sister, Sylvia Mclawhorn.

Those closest to him will remember his humor, his booming conversations, his deep generosity, and his fondness for a glass of red wine. His colleagues will remember a man who lifted others up, who set a standard for professionalism and compassion, and who helped build a movement to protect rail labor.

Services and Remembrance

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Green Acres Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. A funeral service will follow on Friday, September 19, at 11:00 AM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in York’s memory to the American Diabetes Association or The CROP Foundation. (This is a charitable foundation founded and run by York’s son Kip that teaches underprivileged youth the craft of being a chef.)

A Lasting Legacy

The SMART Transportation Division will not forget York Dudley Poole III. The next time railroaders gather to trade war stories, may they raise a glass (preferably red wine) in honor of York Poole, a pioneer, a protector, and a brother whose memory will forever remain.

SMART-TD recently commissioned a survey across BNSF, Norfolk Southern (NS), and Canadian National (CN) members — the three Class I railroads currently engaged in the 2025 National Agreement negotiations. The survey was conducted by the DFM Group, an impartial research organization, to measure our membership’s views on key issues under negotiation.

One of the most significant topics within the survey relates to the “pattern agreement,” which has already been ratified by a majority of other rail unions. The framework is similar in many ways to the tentative agreement our members at NS and BNSF rejected in the last round of negotiations.

Conversations with local officers across our union indicate that crews may be rethinking their position on the pattern agreement since that last vote, and our negotiating team needs to understand these changes clearly. The survey helped measure the extent of these changes in attitude.

The results are telling: only 31% of respondents said they opposed the framework of the pattern agreement, while the majority favor it. Union leadership was surprised by the high level of support for the pattern agreement.

The survey confirms that the temperature in our crew bases has shifted, and there is genuine interest in reevaluating this agreement. While no decisions are being made solely on survey data, this feedback is invaluable.

SMART-TD extends sincere thanks to the members who were randomly selected for their participation. Your honesty and input are critical to our ability to represent the will of our brothers and sisters, and that these negotiations reflect your priorities.

We should have more information soon, and SMART News will be sure to keep you informed.

On August 1, 2025, Special Board of Adjustment No. 1208 issued an award, which set the framework for final resolution of on-property contract negotiations at Union Pacific as were required by our most recent 2022 National Agreement, intended to address rest days, quality of life, and certain pool and extra board rules. Since we could not reach a voluntary agreement with UP, these issues were mandated to go to final and binding arbitration.

It is important to understand that SBA 1208 merely sets the basic framework for what our final on-property agreements will say. Our General Committees are still in talks with UP to iron out those details. In accordance with the award’s findings, this process requires written, mutually agreed upon questions and answers for interpretations within the award, along with an implementation process. The award also states that the arbitrator will maintain jurisdiction over interpretation and implementation matters for another 6 months. We anticipate that this process will take several weeks or even months to reach a conclusion wherein the full extent of the award will be implemented.

Understandably, this has led to some uncertainty and speculation among our UP members. In response, the involved General Chairpersons distributed information, including fact sheets, to all of our affected Locals. We have also been responsive to individual members’ concerns whenever they have reached out. Despite these efforts, misinformation and disinformation is continuing to spread.

In order to help determine fact from fiction, and truth from lies, we have set up a dedicated email address for Union Pacific members who still have questions about this award and the implementation process. We encourage our members to get the facts straight from the source, rather than listening to hearsay, rumors, or flat-out lies from bad faith actors looking to capitalize on this inherent and temporary uncertainty.

Questions, comments, and concerns may be submitted to SBA1208@smart-union.org. Our members’ questions are particularly valuable, as they may be included in the required written Q&A’s that are currently being compiled.

All SMART-TD members will receive a response!

On August 11, SMART-TD was proud to be represented at the reopening of the Natick Center train station in Massachusetts, marking a major step forward in making public transit more accessible for all. The state-funded renovation added features to better serve riders with physical disabilities, improving safety, comfort, and convenience.

When the Governor and Lieutenant Governor hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony, SMART-TD’s New England Safety and Legislative Director Dave Stevenson and SMART-TD Local 898 Local Chairperson and Assistant Chair of the BTAPS Committee Cole Czub were invited to join the celebration. Their presence highlighted the important role our union plays in working with state leaders on rail and transit issues.

For MBTA and Keolis members, these improvements not only serve the public but also help to grow ridership, which strengthens the long-term stability of our jobs. The event was also a clear sign that in Massachusetts, when decision-makers talk about railroads, they turn to SMART-TD as a trusted partner and source of expertise.

We thank Brothers Stevenson, Czub, and the entire New England Legislative Board for their dedication and the impact they are making on behalf of SMART-TD members across the region.

SMART-TD New England SLD Dave Stevenson, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Chairperson of SMART-TD Local 898 Cole Czub,

Last month, Steve Forbes published a hit piece in the famous Forbes Magazine about SMART-TD. He penned his editorial without verifying any of his “facts” with SMART-TD, which could explain how and why he got everything wrong. From our finances to our mission, this magazine, made famous by publishing love letters about corporate elites, went out of its way to “put us in our place.” He wasn’t after facts; he was trying to derail our progress on behalf of his Wall Street buddies and Corporate Railroads.

It didn’t work.

President Ferguson responded, calling out every lie, distortion, and insult in Forbes’ editorial. Brother Ferguson’s office submitted that rebuttal to Forbes five days ago, demanding equal placement and a factual correction.

Forbes hasn’t responded, and we’re not going to hold our breath. We assume that they made up their minds before hearing any evidence, and we expect them to stick with their policy of neglecting reason or professional ethics as they pursue their goal to take us down.

So we’re appealing—not to Forbes, but to the American public. Perhaps there are a few real journalists left who care about truth, safety, and the plight of America’s working families. If Forbes wants a fight, that’s fine. Just like the railroads and bus companies, he’s welcome to FAFO.

Read President Ferguson’s full takedown below, which today, Monday, July 28, 2025, was shared with media outlets across the country.

Forbes Response Editorial FINAL (3)Download

Engineer Trainee, John Hedgepeth of SMART-TD Local 490 is being hailed as a hero for his quick-thinking and selfless actions during a catastrophic derailment involving Norfolk Southern trains in Indiana.

Brother Hedgepeth acted instinctively to save the life of his engineer by moving him clear of a locomotive ladder just seconds before molten sulfur from a derailed train engulfed their position.

He then dove from the nose of his engine to try to get himself clear from the fallout of the derailment. Though his actions undoubtedly saved his life and that of his engineer, Brother Hedgepeth was covered in molten sulfur from one of the derailed cars.

He was left with third-degree burns covering a significant portion of his body, along with a broken rib. He likely faces a long road to recovery, requiring travel to the nearest burn treatment center located over 150 miles away in Indianapolis.

Brother John Hedgepeth needs our support during his road to healing

Hedgepeth, a U.S. Marine with 13 years of railroad experience, and his family are in urgent need of support. A fundraiser has been set up by his brothers in Local 490 to assist them during this incredibly difficult time.

Click here to donate to Brother Hedgepeth’s GoFundMe ►

Earlier today, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 1, better known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, by a narrow 51–50 margin, with Vice President JD Vance casting the deciding vote.

The legislation offers a tax exemption on overtime earnings, a move that benefits many American workers. However, despite advocacy and proposed fixes, the bill does not extend this benefit to employees covered by the Railway Labor Act, AKA railroaders.

Ahead of the vote, SMART-TD collaborated with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) to draft Amendment 2316, which would have extended the overtime tax break to rail and aviation workers. In just 24 hours, more than 4,300 SMART-TD members took action, sending messages to their Senators urging support for the amendment. That response exemplifies the unity and strength of our membership.

Despite this strong show of support, Amendment 2316 was not considered during debate. Out of the 642 amendments submitted, only 43 were brought to the floor, and ours was not one of them.

Standing Firm in the Fight for Fairness

“This isn’t over,” said SMART-TD National Legislative Director Jared Cassity. “If the rest of the blue-collar workforce gets relief on overtime taxes, so should rail workers. Our jobs are no less demanding, and we should be treated with equal respect.”

Cassity has already begun the process of turning the proposed amendment into a stand-alone bill. Although collaboration with other rail unions is still in progress, efforts are underway to identify a member of Congress willing to sponsor the bill.

“Our members sacrifice holidays, family time, and weekends to keep this country running. Excluding them from a policy aimed at easing the burden on working Americans is more than disheartening,” Cassity continued. “But we’re not walking away from this. We’ll keep pushing until our voices are heard.”

What Comes Next

SMART-TD will continue advocating for overtime tax fairness for rail workers and will work to build momentum for new legislation. The incredible response from members is a powerful reminder that this is worth fighting for. If you joined the effort yesterday, thank you. If you didn’t, get ready, because we’ll need you in the days ahead. The next round starts now.

Momentum Builds for Yardmaster Safety and Quality of Life

U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-97) have introduced the Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2025 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Yardmasters are the traffic controllers of our country’s railroad network,” said Representative Carbajal. “Like their counterparts in aviation, they play a vital role in ensuring the safety of everyone traveling by train. My bipartisan legislation will improve working conditions and support the professionals who keep America’s railroads running safely and efficiently.”

If passed and signed into law, Yardmasters would enjoy the same maximum of 12 hours of service as the T&E crews. The absence of federally regulated rest periods contributes to fatigue, risking the safety of others while diminishing their quality of life.

Other rail transportation workers’ hours have been protected since 1907.

Yardmaster Act is a Bipartisan Effort

The Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act highlights the understanding that rail safety is, and must remain, a nonpolitical issue. Representatives Carbajal and Lawler, hailing from opposite coasts and different parties, are willing to set aside their differences to protect rail workers and the communities our trains pass through. This unity matters more than party lines.

“I’m proud to join Rep. Carbajal in reintroducing the Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act, a commonsense, bipartisan bill that closes a long-overdue gap in rail safety policy,” said Representative Lawler. “Yardmasters are essential to the safe and smooth operation of our freight rail system, and it’s only right that they receive the same duty hour protections as other rail employees. This legislation is about protecting workers, improving safety, and ensuring our rail network continues to serve communities and commerce across the country effectively.”

It is this union’s policy that safety is not a partisan issue. We support any law or regulation that improves our lives.

“It’s rare to see meaningful cooperation across today’s political aisle,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “But this bill is a shining example of what can happen when the safety of our workforce and the public is put first.”

Federal Laws Follow State Legislative Wins

This federal push builds upon the work of Minnesota State Legislative Board and State Safety and Legislative Director Nick Katich. He helped Minnesota become the first state in the nation to enact HOS protections for yardmasters. That leadership demonstrates the feasibility and the urgency of regulating yardmaster schedules. It also provides a blueprint for national action.

Alert Yardmasters Make Everyone Safer

“Fatigue doesn’t just impact the yardmaster,” said Jared Cassity, Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director for SMART-TD. “It affects the entire crew, how well built our trains are when they hit the main lines, and the safety of the communities we serve. Rested yardmasters mean safer, smarter operations.”

As detailed in SMART-TD’s previous reporting, yardmasters are often the unsung heroes on the front lines of rail labor. Their dedication deserves recognition, and more importantly, action.

A Hopeful Path Forward

SMART-TD calls on all members, allies, and lawmakers to support the Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2025.

This bill is a long-overdue correction to an unjust status quo. It represents unity, progress, and our unwavering commitment to protect every member.

Stay informed and engaged as we work to support this measure as it advances through Congress. With teamwork, persistence, and solidarity, we can bring HOS fairness to the yardmasters who help keep America’s freight moving safely and keep us out of an occupied track.