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What is SB 723?

SB 723 is a proposed Oregon law requiring all freight trains in the state to operate with a minimum

crew size of two individuals. This bill seeks to codify a long-standing industry practice to ensure

rail safety for workers, communities, and the environment.

Why is SB 723 Important?

● Safety First

○ A two-person crew ensures quick and efficient responses to everyday issues,

including mechanical failures, equipment malfunctions, and grade-crossing incidents.

○ In the event of derailments or grade-crossing accidents, having two crew members

allows for immediate action, such as coordinating with emergency responders and

addressing public safety concerns.

● Proven Industry Norm

○ Two-person crews are the overwhelming standard in the rail industry and have not

negatively affected the financial or operational performance of rail carriers.

○ Railroads using the two-person crew model have consistently reported record

breaking revenues and profits over recent decades.

● Precedent in Other States

○ SB 723 is not breaking new ground. Eleven states, including nearby Washington

and Nevada, already enforce some form of crew-size requirements for freight

trains.

● Protecting Communities

○ Leaving crew size decisions to collective bargaining risks sacrificing essential

safety measures, putting rail workers and local communities in harm’s way. Safety

isn’t something to negotiate—it needs to be protected by law to ensure everyone

stays safe, no matter what.

○ It is the fundamental duty of the legislature to safeguard the well-being of the

people and uphold their will. By enacting laws that prioritize safety and reflect

public interests, legislators fulfill their responsibility to protect communities and

ensure a government that serves its citizens.

● Widespread Public Support

○ Past polling shows that 85% of Americans support legislation mandating two-person

train crews. Support spans all political affiliations:

■ 82% of Republicans

■ 83% of Independents

■ 90% of Democrats

○ During the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Notice of Proposed

Rulemaking (NPRM) on train crew size, over 13,500 public comments were

submitted. The overwhelming majority supported the implementation of a final rule

requiring a minimum of two-person crews for freight and passenger trains. Only 64

comments opposed the rule. This strong public support highlights a widespread

consensus on the importance of maintaining safety standards through adequate

crew sizes.

● Key Benefits of SB 723

o Strengthens public safety by reducing risks in accidents or derailments.

o Aligns Oregon with other states adopting modern, standardized rail safety

measures.

o Protects workers, local communities, and emergency responders.

o Reinforces a long-standing industry practice without adding financial or operational

burdens to rail carriers.

Conclusion

SB 723 is a commonsense, bipartisan solution to improve rail safety in Oregon. It codifies a

practice that has served the rail industry and communities well for decades while ensuring that

the safety of workers and residents is never compromised.

Support SB 723 — Keep Oregon’s Railways Safe and Secure

Following a nearly unanimous vote, Connecticut Southern Railroad is the newest addition to the SMART-TD union family. This is the second Genesse and Wyoming property that has joined our union in the past two weeks.  

SMART-TD welcomed the Wilmington Terminal Railroad earlier this month.

Connecticut Southern workers were previously under an umbrella agreement with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE), which benefits some (but not necessarily all) properties that it covers.

With only 15 members in train and engine service, they often felt like they were left in the dark and didn’t have their needs fully addressed.

“Looking at our own situation, we had to say ‘Hey, are we getting our bang for our buck?’” said Garrett Desjardins who was the Local Chairperson while they were represented by the BLE.

Tired of feeling like they weren’t being heard, our new brothers reached out to SMART-TD.

Previous umbrella agreement failed to deliver results

GCA 687 Associate Chairperson Nick Greficz assisted with the organizing efforts and explained how the decision was made after a lot of thought.

“It wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction,” Greficz emphasized. “There was some apprehensiveness about the contracts in place, the longevity of the contracts, and there was some misinformation that was being spread.”

Discussions with Local Chairman Matt Pietrzak from Local 352 (West Springfield, MA) eased many of their worries.

He knew most of our new members before the switch.

“We worked side-by-side with those guys,” Pietrzak said. 

“I see [Pietrzak] almost every day when I’m at work,” Desjardins said. “We just met each other through doing the job, and you meet good people along the way. So it almost seemed like a no-brainer for us because our representation is right there.”  

He emphasized that SMART-TD’s newest members are excited about the change and look forward to no longer being under an umbrella agreement like the one they worked under with the BLE.

“We got held to the standards of other railroads that don’t do our work and don’t carry our qualifications [under our previous umbrella agreement],” Desjardins pointed out. 

New members recognized for their professionalism

Brother Greficz noted that he’s been very impressed by these workers throughout their journey to join SMART-TD.

“They’ve got a very tight-knit group of guys over there,” Greficz said. “I was very impressed with the participation and the solidarity that Connecticut Southern showed. That was something that struck me. Everybody was professional, everybody was reasonable.”

He’s also proud of Brother Pietrzak, who is preparing to become an official organizer, for his leadership throughout the campaign.

“It’s a true story of organizing from the rocks, because he [Pietrzak] wasn’t an organizer,” Greficz explained. “It doesn’t matter what your title is…everybody is an organizer at the end of the day.”

For Brother Pietrzak, this is a victory that feels particularly good.

“It [joining SMART-TD] was years in the making and now it’s finally done.”

SMART-TD congratulates Brother Greficz and Brother Pietrzak on this organizing win and proudly welcomes the newest members of our union family!

The SMART Transportation Division (SMART TD) congratulates Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nevada) on her selection to serve as the Ranking Minority Leader of the House Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee. Rep. Titus has been a dedicated advocate for our members, championing key legislation that supports freight rail, bus, and transit workers.

“Congresswoman Titus has always been a strong ally to our members, and her leadership on transportation issues has been invaluable,” said Greg Hynes, Director of SMART TD’s National Safety and Legislative Department. “Her deep experience and commitment to improving the lives of working people make her exactly the kind of leader we need in this role. We are fortunate to continue working with her to protect and advance our priorities.”

SMART Transportation Division congratulates Congresswoman Dina Titus on her appointment as Ranking Minority Leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, recognizing her strong advocacy for freight rail, bus, and transit workers, and her continued commitment to improving working conditions and safety in the transportation industry. — SMART-TD Vice President Gary Crest, Nevada SLD Gabe Christenson, Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), and Scott Brent, Assistant Safety and Legislative Director of California, meet to discuss our union’s legislative priorities as part of Railroad Day On The Hill in May of 2024,

Rep. Titus has been instrumental in advocating for legislation like the INVEST in America Act, which benefits our transit members, and in advancing the Brightline West project creating hundreds of new jobs on America’s rails. She led the Nevada delegation in securing funding for the high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas to Southern California, ensuring that union jobs would be a cornerstone of the project. As a senior member of the House T&I Committee, her support for the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024 is crucial for this transformative bill that stands to dramatically improve safety and working conditions for freight rail workers, including crucial protections like two-person train crews and train length limitations.

Jared Cassity, Deputy Director of the National Safety and Legislative Department, noted, “Rep. Titus is the real deal. Her decades of pushing for high-speed rail and her work on key safety legislation are a testament to her dedication to our industry and our membership. As Ranking Member, she’ll be in an even stronger position to protect our members and ensure their voices are heard.”

SMART TD looks forward to working closely with Ranking Member Titus in this new role. As the largest labor union in the American rail industry, we will continue to be relentless in our efforts to advance the issues that matter most to our members and their families and working with Congresswoman Titus to achieve those goals.

RRB News

No. 25-1

January 7, 2025

For Immediate Release

U.S. Railroad Retirement Board

Public Affairs 312-751-4777

844 North Rush Street 312-751-7154 (fax)

Chicago, Illinois 60611-1275 RRB.gov

Law Ends Reduction of Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits

A recently approved law ended the reduction of unemployment and sickness benefits paid to railroad employees due to a budget sequestration requirement. The Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act was incorporated into the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, which the President signed on December 23, 2024.

The Budget Control Act of 2011, and subsequent sequestration orders to implement mandated cuts, required that railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits be reduced by a set percentage. This requirement was temporarily paused at the beginning of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but resumed on May 10, 2023. Since then, unemployment and sickness benefit amounts paid by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) have been reduced by 5.7 percent. The REEF Act eliminates that reduction and exempts railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits from sequestration.

The current daily benefit rate for unemployment and sickness insurance benefits is $94.00. Applying the sequestration reduction of 5.7 percent reduced the maximum benefit in a 2-week period from $940.00 to $886.42. Starting December 26, 2024, the full amount is being paid, except for any required income/payroll tax withholding or garnishment orders.

In addition, the new law applies retroactively to May 10, 2023, when sequestration resumed after the pandemic. Due to significant system programming required, there will be a delay in calculating and issuing retroactive payments. Claimants should monitor the agency website at RRB.gov for up-to-date information on progress related to retroactive payments. No action is required by claimants affected by this provision unless they have moved or changed banking information, in which case they can report the new information by calling the agency’s toll-free number at (877) 772-5772.

# # #

Discounted SMART room rate is available until February 8

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas, Near the Galleria

Dates: March 10-13, 2025 (S&T: March 10-14)

Room Rate: $141/night (deadline to reserve a room is February 8)

Registration Fee: $75

The Dallas RTS will begin on Monday, March 10, 2025, with an evening Welcome Reception. The training will cover topics such as local governance, the roles and responsibilities of local presidents, secretaries, treasurers, legislative representatives, and local chairpersons in member advocacy, an overview of the SMART Constitution, and other key subjects.

For a detailed meeting agenda, please visit the Meetings page via the SMART Union mobile app.

We look forward to seeing you in Dallas!

Space in some of the training tracks is limited and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Register early.

Registration closes on March 3, 2025, and there will be no onsite registration available.

To Register for Classes: RTS Registration ►
To Book Your Hotel Reservation: Hotel Reservation Link ►

Please note: Attendees are responsible for making their hotel reservations.

For more information, contact Nick Torres in the SMART-TD office at 216-227-5269 or by email at ntorres@smart-union.org.

Other 2025 Cities and Dates ► [ https://www.smart-union.org/smart-td-announces-2025-regional-training-seminars/ ]

December 18, 2024 – It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of SMART-TD member and Union Pacific Conductor Phillip Araujo. He and his engineer, Clay Burt, lost their lives in the line of duty on December 18, 2024 when their train collided with a tractor-trailer in Pecos City, Texas.

Brother Araujo was a dedicated member of Local #823, a skilled conductor, and a kind, reliable friend. Over the course of his career, Phillip earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his unwavering commitment to his work and his family. His sacrifice and strong work ethic were evident in the way he managed the demands of his profession. He is survived by his wife Maria and three children Abby, Andrea, and Fabian.

Araujo and Burt’s GoFundMe ► https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-araujo-burt-families-loss

Living roughly 230 miles from the Sweetwater, Texas, yard office, Phillip would commute several hours to work, never complaining about the challenges of the railroad’s unpredictable on-call lifestyle or how it was compounded by his extraordinary driving time.

When his name neared the top of the board, he would get in his car and head to the yard office, taking his call sometime during the drive. If his calculation was off, and he arrived before his on-duty time, Araujo would simply sleep in his car or handle the administrative duties of being a conductor with a smile on his face. He knew why it was all worth it to him. Providing a good life for his wife and his three children was worth whatever the railroad lifestyle required of him. They were his clear priority, something his coworkers in Sweetwater not only noticed but admired.

In this spirit, Brother Ryan Monts of BLET Division 212 started a GoFundMe account to support both the families of Phillip Araujo and Clay Burt. We ask all those who are able to consider giving what they can to help these two railroad families with final expenses in their time of need.

Brother Araujo’s loss leaves a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, and coworkers. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, coworkers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Maria, and their children Abby, Andrea, and Fabian, the entire Local #823 family, and all who had the honor of knowing him.

SMART-TD Fights for Worker Safety

SMART-TD is not backing down in the fight for the safety of its members. The union is formally calling out BNSF Railway for asking the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to let them keep using cement cross ties and substandard infrastructure they know is not up to code. This waiver request, if approved, would allow BNSF to continue operating with defective concrete crossties and rail fastening systems for the next five years on over 61 miles of track across 19 subdivisions and multiple states.

BNSF’s “Clean Record” is Nothing But Smoke and Mirrors

BNSF’s argument is simple: no derailments have happened on these tracks since the last waiver was granted. But SMART-TD isn’t buying it. The fact that no accidents have happened yet doesn’t mean it’s safe, and it sure as hell doesn’t mean we should keep running trains on tracks that aren’t up to federal standards. The longer BNSF gets away with this, the more dangerous it becomes. It’s only a matter of time before something catastrophic happens.

Let’s talk about the so-called “clean record” BNSF is boasting about with their “three-quarter” concrete ties and shoddy rail fastening systems. BNSF is responsible for reporting any issues with these tracks, but there’s no independent body ensuring they’re being honest. Unless NTSB or FRA officials are on-site, it’s all too easy for BNSF to downplay or sweep incidents under the rug in the interest of maintaining their waiver. This is a serious problem, and SMART-TD isn’t letting it slide.

Defective Crossties: Acknowledgment is Not Enough

It’s also worth noting that BNSF is blatantly admitting that they’re still using defective crossties—materials that don’t meet federal safety standards. This is unacceptable. A simple acknowledgment of the problem should be enough for the FRA to throw out the request without prejudice rather than allow BNSF to continue operating on these tracks for another five years. The FRA needs to take immediate action and force BNSF to fix these issues, not just kick the can down the road.

Unsafe for Passengers = Unsafe for Freight Railroaders

Here’s the worst part. BNSF argues that no passenger trains run on these tracks, so they claim it’s not a big deal. This is insulting. Freight workers deserve the same level of safety as passengers. Why is BNSF saying our lives are less important? The men and women working on freight trains are exposed to far greater risks than passengers. We are the ones on the front lines, dealing with track failures first on the head end. We are out there exposed to the elements, riding freight cars while carrying tools, lanterns, and paperwork, all while rolling over tracks that the railroad and the federal government acknowledge aren’t up to safety standards. This does not pass the sniff test.

If it’s unsafe for passengers, it’s unsafe for freight rail workers. Period. There is no excuse for putting workers’ lives at risk just to save a few bucks. This waiver request is a slap in the face to every SMART-TD member.

SMART-TD calls for Action from the FRA

SMART-TD is letting the FRA know our position on BNSF’s waiver. Our National Safety/Legislative Department is calling on the FRA to reject this dangerous extension request through the public comment process. We’re calling on the FRA to hold BNSF accountable and force them to replace the defective crossties and rail fastening systems before the next train goes on the ground with one of our brothers or sisters riding the side ladder! Railroad managers accept nothing less than full compliance with established safety standards when it comes to our operational testing, and they should be held to a similar standard. Our members deserve better, and our lives are not for sale.

Make Your Voice Heard: FRA Public Comment Process

The FRA’s public comment process is open to everyone in the U.S. If you would like to voice your opinion, please follow this link and write a brief statement letting the FRA know how you feel about the important issue in front of them. Please reference Doc. Number FRA-2011-0085 so they know exactly which issue you are commenting on.

The deadline for submission is December 23rd at midnight Eastern Standard Time. Please take a moment to weigh in on this and keep our BNSF brothers and sisters safe on the rail, and out of the “Final Call” section of the next SMART newspaper.

December 18 — A collision between a Union Pacific train and a tractor-trailer at a rail crossing in Pecos, Texas claimed two lives this yesterday.

This devastating accident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks railroad workers face daily, and it highlights the critical need for urgent safety improvements across the industry.

While we are limited in the details we can provide as SMART-TD assists the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the investigation, we extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Brother Araujo and Brother Burt.

SMART-TD is aware that cell phone footage and pictures of the accident and subsequent derailment are appearing on the internet. As a union, we ask that our members respect our brothers and sisters in Local 823 (Big Springs, TX) by not reposting these images. The friends and family of the two fallen railroaders are not helped by amplifying the spectacle of the accident.

Rail workers do vital work, often at great personal risk. As we mourn this loss, we also renew our commitment to fighting for stronger safety measures that will serve to better protect all those who work on and live near the rails.

Our thoughts and solidarity are with the loved ones of Brother Phillip Araujo and Clay Burt during this incredibly difficult time.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

“Railroad workers not only sell their labor, they sacrifice more than most to care for themselves and their families. It is through their hard work and efforts that railroad retirement is funded, which is why it is so rewarding to see the senseless reductions from sequestration finally lifted. In this process of advocating for REEF, our brothers and sisters have proven that they are willing to stand in solidarity to put up a fight. I couldn’t be prouder of our members for their tenacity to win back not just what was earned – but what is deserved.” Jared Cassity, SMART-TD Deputy Director National Safety and Legislative Department

SMART-TD Union Celebrates the Passage of the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After more than four years of tireless effort and advocacy, the SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) is proud to announce the successful passage of the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act. This historic legislation, introduced in both the House and Senate, will permanently exempt Railroad Unemployment Insurance benefits from sequestration, ending a 5.7% reduction that railroaders have unfairly borne for years. In simple terms, this bill will end the outdated tax of $50 every two weeks on railroaders drawing unemployment benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board.

The REEF Act, officially titled S. 1274, rights a longstanding wrong that has disproportionately impacted railroad workers, particularly those who find themselves furloughed or medically unable to work. These workers, many of whom already face significant financial hardship when transitioning from regular railroad wages to the modest $450 every two weeks provided by the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), were subjected to sequestration that further reduced this already limited benefit.

“For most Americans, a $50 cut may seem insignificant, but to a railroader relying on a fixed benefit, it’s a financial crisis,” said Greg Hynes, SMART-TD National Safety and Legislative Director. “After years of fighting this injustice, the REEF Act’s passage is proof that persistence pays off. The work we’ve done on Capitol Hill to secure this victory is worth every ounce of effort and all the shoe leather we left on the steps of the House and Senate buildings.”

The process to get this bill over the line was not easy. It took consistent advocacy, relentless lobbying, and cooperation across party lines. SMART-TD’s Greg Hynes and Jared Cassity, who collectively bring decades of experience from BNSF and CSX respectively, led the charge, ensuring that Congress understood the gravity of the situation faced by railroad workers.

“We understand the struggle because we’ve lived it. We know how much that small cut impacts an out-of-work railroader’s ability to make ends meet,” said Jared Cassity, Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director. “This legislation is a direct result of the tireless advocacy of our members, who took the time to speak out, engage with lawmakers, and apply pressure at every step.” Cassity went on to say, “Railroad workers not only sell their labor, they sacrifice more than most to care for themselves and their families. It is through their hard work and efforts that railroad retirement is funded, which is why it is so rewarding to see the senseless reductions from sequestration finally lifted. In this process of advocating for REEF, our brothers and sisters have proven that they are willing to stand in solidarity to put up a fight. I couldn’t be prouder of our members for their tenacity to win back not just what was earned – but what is deserved.”

Although this $50 reduction may seem small to a member of Congress unfamiliar with the realities of life on the railroad, to those affected, it represents a significant financial burden. For years, the railroad industry’s most vulnerable workers – those most in need of support – have borne this unfair tax. The passage of the REEF Act is a monumental step in righting that wrong. SMART-TD wants to thank all of the Senators and Representatives for their support and sponsorship of this important legislation, with special acknowledgment of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) for being the lead sponsor in the Senate and continuing to see this legislation through to the end. SMART-TD is proud to have endorsed Deb Fisher in her 2024 re-election win and was the only rail labor organization to have stood with her.

“SMART-TD members have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us every step of the way, from rallies to calls to Congressional offices. This victory belongs to every one of our members who answered the call and fought to make sure their voices were heard,” said Hynes. “It is because of their engagement, their commitment, and their perseverance that we’ve been able to secure this long-overdue relief.”

The REEF Act is a powerful reminder of what is possible when unions, lawmakers, and working people come together to fight for fairness. SMART-TD extends its deepest thanks to all of the sponsors and cosponsors who supported this bill, as well as the thousands of SMART-TD members who stood united throughout the process.

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If you’re interested in speaking more about the legislation, we’d be happy to connect you with:

SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson

President Jeremy Ferguson, a member of Local 313 in Grand Rapids, Mich., was elected president of SMART’s Transportation Division in 2019.

President Ferguson, an Army veteran, started railroading in 1994 as a conductor on CSX at Grand Rapids, Mich. and was promoted to engineer in 1995. Ferguson headed the recent national rail negotiations for the Union with the nation’s rail carriers.

SMART-TD’s National Safety and Legislative Director, Gregory Hynes

Greg Hynes is a fifth-generation railroader and was elected national legislative director in 2019.

Hynes served on the SMART Transportation Division National Safety Team that assists the National Transportation Safety Board with accident investigations, from 2007 – 2014.

In 2014, he was appointed to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), which develops new railroad regulatory standards.

Hynes was appointed the first chairperson of the UTU Rail Safety Task Force in 2009 and served in that capacity until being elected SMART Transportation Division alternate national legislative director at the Transportation Division’s 2014 convention.

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.

Brother Ty Dragoo, SMART-TD’s Kansas State Safety & Legislative Director (SLD), has been elected by labor leaders across Kansas to lead a state-wide labor coalition called the Working Kansas Alliance (WKA).

Collectively representing more than 500,000 workers throughout the state, WKA advocates for policies at the Kansas Legislature that protect the rights of its members, including securing living wages, safe working conditions, and the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families.

WKA ensures that workers have a legislative seat at the table, especially in the face of policies pushed by corporate special interest groups that favor big business at the expense of working families.

Learn more about WKA

Dragoo emphasized how leaders from the broader labor movement across the state have recognized SMART-TD for breaking down legislative barriers.

“Any time there’s a labor issue, SMART-TD is recognized as a leader and standard-bearer,” Dragoo said. “This shows what we can do at the state level and across the country when we have an active and engaged legislative program.”

When it comes to having conversations with legislators who aren’t labor-friendly, Dragoo focuses on finding similarities rather than dwelling on differences. He makes it a point to remind lawmakers that their constituents are workers, too, who are worried about kitchen table issues.

“We try to get rid of all the other outside noise,” Dragoo noted. “We’re really on the same page on a lot of this stuff. It’s when we let in all the outside noise that we get into trouble.”

A member of Local 1503, Brother Dragoo has long ensured that SMART-TD’s voice is heard and amplified at the state legislature. He is focused on collaborating across party lines to address the needs of Kansas’s working families with lawmakers.

Thanks to Dragoo’s advocacy, labor’s presence along with SMART-TD will continue to be felt at the legislature in Topeka.

“I fully intend on bringing that ability to the legislature: to advance the causes of the labor movement. Not just SMART-TD issues but all labor issues.”

Congratulations, Brother! Your union continues to be proud of the progress you and the Kansas Legislative Board have made for our members and the labor movement as a whole!