Introduced the two most-impactful pieces of rail safety legislation in the modern era in both the House of Representatives and the Senate
Continued to move the needle in Washington for increased protections for railroad and bus members, often serving as the lone voice on that front
Forged relationships with legislators on both sides of aisle and made it clear that SMART-TD’s support will go to those who speak up for the well-being of our brothers and sisters, regardless of the letter that follows their name.
Held lawmakers accountable for their actions by cementing the fact that members’ votes must not be taken for granted in a given election year and must be earned through legislative action and not words
Greg Hynes
This dedicated advocacy has earned Greg Hynes (SMART-TD National Legislative & Safety Director) and Jared Cassity (SMART-TD Deputy National Legislative & Safety Director) a place on The Hill’s list of Top 2024 Lobbyists. Our representatives appear in the Grassroots category for the third year in a row.
We would also like to salute Jenny Miller, Chief of Staff in SMART’s D.C. office, whose efforts are integral to the union’s many legislative victories.
Jared Cassity
Whether in the halls of Congress or at state legislatures across the country, SMART-TD drives change at all levels of government. Together we ensure that our fellow brothers and sisters have a voice in the decisions that impact their paychecks, safety, and well-being.
Erwin, Tennessee – Demonstrating what it truly means to be from the Volunteer State, the members of SMART-TD Local 1162 put the concept of solidarity into action as the community grappled with the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. As the region struggled with the aftermath of excessive rains and the overflow of the Nolichucky River, Local 1162’s officers took decisive action to assist their fellow union members who were facing unprecedented challenges.
As The Water Recedes, Community Feels Forgotten
Located in the northeastern corner of Tennessee, Erwin is a town that isn’t used to extreme flooding. With so many other areas throughout the southeast located directly in Helene’s path, the bulk of outside aid was focused elsewhere. This left the community feeling forgotten and overlooked. Brother Jason Caldwell, chairperson of SMART-TD’s Local 1162, refused to let that happen.
“Jason wasn’t going to sit back and wait,” said Adren Crawford, SMART-TD’s Tennessee State Safety and Legislative Director (SLD). “Brother Caldwell knew our members needed support, and he was determined to make sure that we took care of every one of our own.”
“I felt that if we could help our brothers so they didn’t have to worry about their families, they could go out to help others in the community.” said Caldwell.
Stepping up to support Local 1162 members
Brother Caldwell’s first priority was to ensure that all members of Local 1162 received welfare checks.
With the help of Josh Puckett, president of SMART-TD’s Local 1162, he reached out to every member and assessed who had weathered the storm without significant damage and who needed immediate assistance.
“I’m so thankful for Josh’s help, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of my good friend and union brother,” Caldwell noted.
“I was very impressed with how Jason handled such a stressful situation,” Crawford emphasized. “He took care of business and brought a sense of stability and calm to his members during a catastrophic event while addressing their most urgent needs.”
“We knew we had to act quickly.”
Alarmingly, 10 members reported losing power, with utility companies estimating restoration times of six to eight weeks.
Determined to help make this right, Caldwell reached out to SLD Crawford. Together, they worked out a plan to purchase large-scale generators for those without power. Crawford communicated with SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson, who immediately authorized the use of the union’s disaster relief fund.
“We knew we had to act quickly,” Crawford remarked. “The support from our international union was crucial in getting this plan off the ground.”
Challenges don’t stop Brothers Caldwell and Puckett from delivering much-needed aid
With roads washed out and hazardous conditions throughout the region, Brothers Caldwell and Puckett now faced the daunting task of finding the generators amid widespread demand. They were eventually able to find a supplier and enlisted the help of 1162 members who were less affected. Together, they formed a team equipped with trucks, ATV’s, and a whole lot of urgency to deliver the generators to their brothers in need. Their tireless efforts not only provided much-needed relief but also demonstrated the unwavering camaraderie that defines the SMART-TD union.
A proud moment for Local 1162 and SMART-TD
“What Jason pulled off following this storm is what being part of a union is all about,” Crawford expressed. “We look out for one another, especially in times of crisis. I’m proud of Brother Caldwell, Local 1162, and I’m grateful for the support from every one of the members involved.”
Stay safe in snow and sub-zero temperatures
As winter weather and frigid temperatures blanket large portions of the country, SMART-TD members are continuing to answer the call and report to work.
From snow, to ice, to wind, cold weather presents its own set of unique challenges while on the job.
All employees are entitled to safe workplaces, especially during periods of extreme weather, and employers have an important role to play in ensuring that’s the case.
Employers must prevent illnesses, injuries or fatalities, by controlling the various hazards in workplaces impacted by winter weather. But as railroaders, we know that we don’t get rights that we don’t demand from the companies we work for. We have to know federal standards and our rights, or we will lose them!
Below are some tips provided by OSHA to help prepare for winter weather, as well as information about hazards that workers may face during and after winter storms.
Winter preparedness
Outdoor work requires proper preparation, especially in severe winter weather conditions. Although OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, employers have a responsibility to provide workers with employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards, including winter weather-related hazards, which are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to them (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970). Employers should, therefore, train workers on the hazards of the job and safety measures to use, such as engineering controls and safe work practices, that will protect workers’ safety and health.
Employers should train workers
At a minimum, employers should train workers on:
Cold Stress:
How to recognize the symptoms of cold stress, prevent cold stress injuries and illnesses
The importance of self-monitoring and monitoring coworkers for symptoms
First aid and how to call for additional medical assistance in an emergency
How to select proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions
Other winter weather-related hazards that workers may be exposed to, for example, slippery roads and surfaces, windy conditions and downed power lines
How to recognize these hazards
How workers will be protected: engineering controls, safe work practices and proper selection of equipment, including personal protective equipment
It is important for employers to know the wind chill temperature so that they can gauge workers’ exposure risk better and plan how to safely do the work. It is also important to monitor workers’ physical condition during tasks, especially new workers who may not be used to working in the cold, or workers returning after spending some time away from work.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information from the nearest NWS office. It will give information when wind chill conditions reach critical thresholds. A Wind Chill Warning is issued when wind chill temperatures are life threatening. A Wind Chill Advisory is issued when wind chill temperatures are potentially hazardous.
Wind chill temperature
Outdoor workers exposed to cold and windy conditions are at risk of cold stress, both air temperature and wind speed affect how cold they feel. Wind Chill is the term used to describe the rate of heat loss from the human body, resulting from the combined effect of low air temperature and wind speed. The Wind Chill temperature is a single value that takes both air temperature and wind speed into account.
For example, when the air temperature is 40°F, and the wind speed is 35 mph, the wind chill temperature is 28°F; this measurement is the actual effect of the environmental cold on the exposed skin.
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) developed the following Work/Warm-up Schedule for a 4-hour shift which takes both air temperature and wind speed into account, to provide recommendations on scheduling work breaks and ceasing non-emergency work.
What is cold stress?
What constitutes cold stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions that are not used to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered factors for “cold stress.” Increased wind speed also causes heat to leave the body more rapidly (wind chill effect). Wetness or dampness, even from body sweat, also facilitates heat loss from the body. Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature, and eventually the internal body temperature. When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result. Types of cold stress include: trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia.
Trench foot is a non-freezing injury of the feet caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. It can occur in temperatures as high as 60°F if feet are constantly wet. Injury occurs because wet feet lose heat 25-times faster than dry feet.
What are they symptoms of trench foot?
Reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness and blisters.
First Aid
Call 911 immediately in an emergency; otherwise seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Remove wet shoes/boots and wet socks.
Dry the feet and avoid working on them.
Keep affected feet elevated and avoid walking. Get medical attention.
Frostbite
Frostbite is caused by the freezing of the skin and tissues. Frostbite can cause permanent damage to the body, and in severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.
What are the symptoms of frostbite?
Reddened skin develops gray/white patches in the fingers, toes, nose, or ear lobes; tingling, aching, a loss of feeling, firm/hard, and blisters may occur in the affected areas.
First Aid
Follow the recommendations described below for hypothermia.
Protect the frostbitten area, e.g., by wrapping loosely in a dry cloth and protect the area from contact until medical help arrives.
DO NOT rub the affected area, because rubbing causes damage to the skin and tissue.
Do not apply snow or water. Do not break blisters.
DO NOT try to re-warm the frostbitten area before getting medical help, for example, do not use heating pads or place in warm water. If a frostbitten area is rewarmed and gets frozen again, more tissue damage will occur. It is safer for the frostbitten area to be rewarmed by medical professionals.
Give warm sweetened drinks if alert (no alcohol).
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to less than 95°F. Exposure to cold temperatures causes the body to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up the body’s stored energy.
The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.
Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or immersion in cold water.
What are the symptoms of hypothermia?
An important mild symptom of hypothermia is uncontrollable shivering, which should not be ignored. Although shivering indicates that the body is losing heat, it also helps the body to rewarm itself. Moderate to severe symptoms of hypothermia are loss of coordination, confusion, slurred speech, heart rate/breathing slow, unconsciousness and possibly death. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know what is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.
First Aid
Call 911 immediately in an emergency.
Move the worker to a warm, dry area.
Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothing. Wrap the entire body (including the head and neck) in layers of blankets; and with a vapor barrier (e.g. tarp, garbage bag) Do not cover the face.
If medical help is more than 30 minutes away:
Give warm sweetened drinks if alert (no alcohol), to help increase the body temperature. Never try to give a drink to an unconscious person.
Place warm bottles or hot packs in armpits, sides of chest, and groin. Call 911 for additional rewarming instructions.
Basic Life Support (when necessary)
Co-workers trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may help a person suffering from hypothermia who has no pulse or is not breathing:
Call 911 for emergency medical assistance immediately.
Treat the worker as per instructions for hypothermia, but be very careful and do not try to give an unconscious person fluids.
Check him/her for signs of breathing and for a pulse. Check for 60 seconds.
If after 60 seconds the affected worker is not breathing and does not have a pulse, trained workers may start rescue breaths for 3 minutes.
Recheck for breathing and pulse, check for 60 seconds.
If the worker is still not breathing and has no pulse, continue rescue breathing.
Only start chest compressions per the direction of the 911 operator or emergency medical services*
Reassess patient’s physical status periodically.
*Chest compressions are recommended only if the patient will not receive medical care within 3 hours.
Dressing properly for the cold
Dressing properly is extremely important to preventing cold stress. When cold environments or temperatures cannot be avoided, the following would help protect workers from cold stress:
Wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing. Layering provides better insulation.
An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic (polypropylene) to keep moisture away from the body. Thermal wear, wool, silk or polypropylene, inner layers of clothing that will hold more body heat than cotton.
A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet.
An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.
Tight clothing reduces blood circulation. Warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities. Insulated coat/jacket (water resistant if necessary)
Knit mask to cover face and mouth (if needed)
Hat that will cover your ears as well. A hat will help keep your whole body warmer. Hats reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head.
Insulated gloves (water resistant if necessary), to protect the hands
Insulated and waterproof boots to protect the feet
Safety tips for workers
Your employer should ensure that you know the symptoms of cold stress
Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers
Dress appropriately for the cold
Stay dry in the cold because moisture or dampness, e.g. from sweating, can increase the rate of heat loss from the body
Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you get wet and need to change
Drink warm sweetened fluids (no alcohol)
Use proper engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer
Employers should implement safe work practices
Safe work practices that employers can implement to protect workers from injuries, illnesses and fatalities include:
Providing workers with the proper tools and equipment to do their jobs
Developing work plans that identify potential hazards and the safety measures that will be used to protect workers
Scheduling maintenance and repair jobs for warmer months
Scheduling jobs that expose workers to the cold weather in the warmer part of the day
Avoiding exposure to extremely cold temperatures when possible
Limiting the amount of time spent outdoors on extremely cold days
Using relief workers to assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs
Providing warm areas for use during break periods
Providing warm liquids (no alcohol) to workers
Monitoring workers who are at risk of cold stress
Monitoring the weather conditions during a winter storm, having a reliable means of communicating with workers and being able to stop work or evacuate when necessary
Acclimatizing new workers and those returning after time away from work by gradually increasing their workload, and allowing more frequent breaks in warm areas, as they build up a tolerance for working in the cold environment
Having a means of communicating with workers, especially in remote areas
Knowing how the community warns the public about severe weather: outdoor sirens, radio and television
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides multiple ways to stay informed about winter storms. If you are notified of a winter storm watch, advisory or warning, follow instructions from your local authorities: NOAA Weather Radio
Winter driving
Although employers cannot control roadway conditions, they can promote safe driving behavior by ensuring workers recognize the hazards of winter weather driving, for example, driving on snow/ice covered roads; are properly trained for driving in winter weather conditions; and are licensed (as applicable) for the vehicles they operate.
For information about driving safely during the winter, visit OSHA’s Safe Winter Driving page. Employers should set and enforce driver safety policies. Employers should also implement an effective maintenance program for all vehicles and mechanized equipment that workers are required to operate. Crashes can be avoided. Learn more at the Motor Vehicle Safety (OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page) . Employers should ensure properly trained workers inspect the following vehicle systems to determine if they are working properly:
Brakes: Brakes should provide even and balanced braking. Also check that brake fluid is at the proper level.
Cooling system: Ensure a proper mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water in the cooling system at the proper level.
Electrical system: Check the ignition system and make sure that the battery is fully charged and that the connections are clean. Check that the alternator belt is in good condition with proper tension.
Engine: Inspect all engine systems.
Exhaust system: Check exhaust for leaks and that all clamps and hangers are snug.
Tires: Check for proper tread depth and no signs of damage or uneven wear. Check for proper tire inflation.
Oil: Check that oil is at proper level.
Visibility systems: Inspect all exterior lights, defrosters (windshield and rear window), and wipers. Install winter windshield wipers.
An emergency kit with the following items is recommended in vehicles:
Cell phone or two-way radio
Windshield ice scraper
Snow brush
Flashlight with extra batteries
Shovel
Tow chain
Traction aids (bag of sand or cat litter)
Emergency flares
Jumper cables
Snacks
Water
Road maps
Blankets, change of clothes
Preventing slips on snow and ice
To prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers should clear snow and ice from walking surfaces, and spread deicer as quickly as possible after a winter storm. When walking on snow or ice is unavoidable workers should be trained to:
Wear footwear that has good traction and insulation (e.g. insulated and water-resistant boots or rubber over-shoes with good rubber treads)
Take short steps and walk at a slower pace to react quickly to changes in traction
SMART-TD Local 1715 members working for the Charlotte Area Regional Transit System (CATS) have won a significant victory in the fight for fair vacation pay. The company had tried to manipulate vacation policies, shortchanging our bus members, but thanks to the hard work and dedication of General Committee 1715 and General Chairperson Christy Kiser, along with the support of SMART-TD Vice President Alvy Hughes, our members’ rights have been fully restored.
Company Tried to Shortchange Bus Operators
CATS made a series of changes to their vacation rules that negatively affected some of their bus operators. Specifically, Operators who switched from working four 10-hour days to five 8-hour days were not receiving their earned vacation time. CATS tried to exploit a “gray area” in the rules to pay vacation in hours instead of full days. This decision was made without any consultation with the union and violated their agreement, affecting 35 bus operators.
CATS thought this would be too small for us to challenge, but they were wrong. As Vice President Hughes said, “What is wrong is wrong, even if it only affects one of our brothers or sisters. This organization will step in and do what it takes to make things right for our members, no matter how many people we are talking about.”
Transit Union steps in
When they learned about this, Kiser and Hughes demanded that CATS return to the practice outlined in the collective bargaining agreement, which says that operators shall be paid in full for their vacation days, regardless of their work schedule.
After negotiations and successful mediation, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pay the difference in vacation hours that were initially withheld. Operators will receive the full amount of vacation pay they were owed, and they will also have the choice to cash out any unused vacation time.
This ruling will remain in effect through the rest of the current contract, ensuring all members are treated fairly.
Know your contract, stand up for what is yours
This victory reinforces the importance of standing up for what is right and ensuring that companies don’t take advantage of us. Thank you, Sister Kiser, for your excellent work and that of your committee and all members of Local 1715!
Companies and management don’t learn anything fast, but if we stay diligent, they will come to accept that they can’t take what belongs to SMART-TD members!
Brother Jonathon “Ray” Pierce of Local 1328 (Louisville, KY) a Norfolk Southern Conductor and Engineer, is known as a hard worker who always has a smile on his face.
Now, he and his family are dealing with an incredibly challenging situation as he travels to Houston for unexpected medical treatment.
In July, doctors found a large, aggressive tumor on Brother Pierce’s spine.
Although the tumor itself is benign, its placement is rare and requires more specialized treatment.
He underwent surgery and began treatment to shrink the tumor, but his doctors have suggested that he seek a second opinion at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, making his trip this month necessary.
Local Chairperson Ken Montfort, also of Local 1328, told SMART News, “Ray is always the nicest guy in the room. He’s the kind of railroader who’s always smiling and always has time to answer a new hire’s question. He goes out of his way to take an interest in people. I hope we can rally around Ray and be the positive change he needs to write a new chapter in his story.
Throughout his time as a conductor and following his promotion to an engineer, Brother Pierce has remained a dedicated SMART member for nearly 20 years, and he and his family are beloved throughout the community.
As we enter the holiday season and embrace the spirit of giving, please consider helping to ease his family’s burden during this difficult time by making a contribution if you are able to do so. Let’s show Brother Pierce and his children what being part of the SMART-TD union family is all about.
We need your help in our ongoing fight to protect our mutual safety and well-being. We face three rule changes and have an opportunity to share what we believe the consequences will be. Whether you work in rail or transit, your action today can help make a difference.
Visit Regulations.gov to send your comment for the three issues listed below. By working together, we can help ensure that those who make the decisions understand how dangerous these changes will be. Don’t wait, act now!
Today’s critical proposals and what’s at stake
SMART-TD is responding to three important public comment deadlines with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). These proposals threaten our safety and the integrity of our work:
BNSF’s attack on injury reports: BNSF wants to stop posting work-related injury and illness information in crew rooms. This change would undermine transparency and hinder workers’ ability to stay informed about potential health and safety hazards. Docket No. FRA-2018-0083
CPKC’s desire to skip brake tests: CPKC is seeking approval to skip crucial single-car air brake tests on cars with known defects. This puts workers and the public at increased risk, and we cannot allow it. Docket No. FRA-2024-0079
Open C3RS (Confidential Close Call Reporting System) to dispatchers: This system provides a private channel for employees to report near-misses without the risk of retaliation. We want to support this proposal; it is essential for anyone to be able to report safety problems in the workplace. C3RS should be standardized. The public comment on C3RS today is aimed at including Dispatchers in the C3RS system. Docket No. FRA-2024-0089
These proposals may seem separate, but they all share a common goal: cutting corners on safety for profit. SMART-TD is committed to standing up to these dangerous changes and ensuring that our workers’ safety is never compromised.
How to send a public comment
We need your help to make sure our collective voice is as strong as possible. Here’s how you can get involved:
Submit Your Own Comment:
Visit Regulations.gov to submit a comment on any of these proposals. The more personal and detailed your comment, the more impact it will have. Share how these changes affect your daily work, safety, and rights. Comments can be submitted anonymously to protect your privacy.
On Regulations.gov, you can search by putting the Docket Number in the search bar. When you find the correct “Petition for Waiver of Compliance,” click on the blue “Comment” tab in the upper left part of the screen to submit your personal statement on the topic.
Encourage Local Legislative Representatives to Act:
If you are a Legislative Representative, now is the time to step up. Your involvement in the public comment process is critical to strengthening our collective impact. The more local leaders who participate, the more powerful our efforts will be.
The public comment process is your chance to speak up
Every time the FRA receives a proposal to change safety procedures or make exceptions to regulations, they invite the public to comment. This is a vital opportunity to voice our concerns. This does influence decisions that will affect our jobs, safety, and livelihoods.
The public comment period typically lasts from 30 to 90 days. The railroads and the American Association of Railroads (AAR) will often flood the FRA with multiple requests, particularly during busy times like the holidays, assuming we will be too busy to write a comment. Don’t let this tactic work! Take a few minutes today and let your voice be heard.
SMART-TD never stops: responding to multiple agencies
Our commitment to safety goes beyond the FRA. We are actively responding to eight additional opportunities this month. Between now and the end of the year we will address a total of 11 public comment submissions across various agencies—including the FRA, FTA, PHMSA, and OSHA. These proposals affect our railroad, bus, and transit members, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our voices are heard loud and clear.
Let’s Keep Fighting for Safety, Fairness, and Respect
The SMART-TD rail and transit union is committed to strengthening our railroad, bus, and transit members. We will not back down from the fight for our safety, rights, and the future of our industries. Together, we can make sure that railroads and transit agencies can’t push through dangerous changes without hearing from those who are on the front lines every day.
Take action today by visiting Regulations.gov and submitting your comment. Let’s continue fighting for safer working conditions, fair treatment, and the protection of our livelihoods. Together, we will never back down.
In 2024, SMART-TD LACMTA General Committee (GO-875) led groundbreaking efforts to improve safety for the transit Operators and other union members in Los Angeles amid a rise in violence against bus Operators. The year saw alarming incidents, including armed bus hijackings and assaults on Operators with deadly weapons. In response, SMART-TD, under the leadership of Vice Presidents Alvy Hughes and James Sandoval, General Chairperson John M. Ellis, and California Safety and Legislative Director Louis Costa, advocated for immediate changes to protect workers.
A major achievement was the creation of the Los Angeles Transit Police Department, a collaboration with MTA’s CEO, Stephanie Wiggins and Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass. This new force will focus on safeguarding both passengers and Operators, providing a visible security presence on buses, rail, divisions, and stations.
In addition, SMART-TD successfully pushed for the rapid installation of a fully enclosed driver compartment for bus Operators, a measure designed to protect them from the rising trend of assaults. By December 2024, all L.A. Metro buses will be equipped with these protective barriers thanks to GC Ellis and SMART-TD’s Bus Department.
Further pushing the envelope, SMART-TD leaders attended a global transit safety conference in Berlin and brought back innovative ideas to improve safety, including AI-powered cameras with facial recognition and weapon detection. These cameras are currently being tested on Metro Light Rail with plans to be expanded to L.A. Metro buses.
The union’s success in securing these safety reforms serves as a model for transit systems nationwide. These initiatives demonstrate how collective action and strategic advocacy can transform worker safety and set new standards for public transit systems across the U.S. and beyond.
General Chairperson John M Ellis reiterated to SMART News:
“I am proud to have been part of a major safety improvement making L.A. Metro the first transit agency across the nation to have totally enclosed the driver’s compartment from the riding public.
I look forward to see the day that Metros very own dedicated Transit Police become a reality and they can solely protect our membership, who I call Metro Heroes.”
Our union’s success comes from within.
After the election, I feel as though most of us went through a period of reflection. I know I did. It wasn’t so much because Trump won the presidency again, but what that election meant. It seems as though the working class of this country has lost its faith in government and wanted a change, and I honestly don’t blame them. With the increasing reach of corporate power, workers are desperate and hopeful for a change from the status quo.
Throughout the last few decades, we have seen the reach of corporate interests increase and the consequences have had a negative influence on the working class. We have seen it glaringly on the rails. Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) has taken over most of the Class 1 railroads. We have seen longer trains, furloughed workers, decreased time for inspections, increased derailments and deferred maintenance, all while efficiency and customer satisfaction hit all-time lows. Besides a few improvements in the FRA like the two-person crew rule, it is really hard to think positively about the future of our rails. With the power of the rail lobby, it is difficult to have faith that things will get better.
Some may think that Trump will help with these changes. Some may think the Democrats are the answer to positive change. I believe both of those groups are wrong. I truly hope that the Trump administration does decide to help correct the dangers of PSR or that future Democrats help make the difference, but I have a strong feeling that the only solution can be found in ourselves.
Many union men and women have put faith in the politicians for far too long. We need to look inwards. We have allowed the corporate railroads and politics to divide us. I see it when a fellow union member criticizes his or her GC for “selling out” without giving the effort to speak to them about what has happened in the last few negotiations. I have seen it when a union member steams over something that wasn’t even in the actual agreement. I see it when members don’t attend union meetings and allow rumors to influence their opinions on officers. For far too long I have seen empty union halls and fractured solidarity. We are quick to blame anyone but ourselves.
In the next five to ten years, we will have battles that will decide not only the safety of our profession, but the existence of our positions. We will not win those battles if we continue to allow these divisions amongst ourselves. I am not saying that we all have to vote for the same party or make every union meeting, but we need to inform ourselves on which representatives support our union and our jobs. We need to email our representatives about our issues. We need to make at least a few union meetings every year. We need to ask our officers about what is in our agreements before we vote. We need to take our grievances and questions to our officers rather than believing the first rumor we hear.
We as union members need to look inwards for our solutions. Without solidarity, I fear the worst in our future. By staying with our status quo, we can only expect more of the same. As your brother, I ask that you attend a few union meetings this year. Watch out for your brothers and sisters. Stay informed on your agreements and encourage fellow members to do the same. Take initiative when you can and encourage your officers when you see them. We have more power than we realize, as long as we have solidarity. We can absolutely win now and in the future as long as we lean on each other. What will be your first step to making this unity possible?
Note From SMART News: Downloading the SMART App on your phone or personal device is a great way to help you become more involved in your union. It is a free app available on all major platforms. It not only keeps you up to date on your local’s meeting times and locations, but it also has contact information for all of your local and general committee officers. Additionally, it allows you to stay updated on industry and SMART-TD-specific news stories that affect all our members.
The SMART-TD Railroad Union lobbied OSHA and the FRA for stronger whistleblower protections at a virtual meeting on October 29th.
“We are here to fight for our members,” said Jared Cassity, SMART-TD Deputy National Director of Safety and Legislative Affairs. “Railroad workers face harassment, demotion, and even firing for reporting unsafe conditions. This must stop, or it will continue to put both workers and the public at risk.”
OSHA is conducting an inquiry into America’s railroads, which included a request for public comments and the virtual meeting.
SMART-TD was the only union to submit an official comment
Multiple rail labor organizations were represented at the meeting; however, SMART-TD was the only union to submit an official comment.
SMART-TD’s public comment reflects the reality that we face the threat of discipline or termination for reporting unsafe conditions or injuries at work. While the union can challenge these management decisions, many workers will cover up injuries or lie about incidents to protect themselves.
Greg Hynes, SMART-TD National Director of Safety and Legislative Affairs, explained, “The culture of intimidation has been allowed to continue for too long. We need stronger protections for those who report safety issues.”
Misuse of “operational testing” as a punitive tool
A key issue identified by our members is the misuse of “operational testing,” where managers observe workers to enforce safety rules. The use of drones and covert surveillance, where managers “supervise” with binoculars from concealed locations, is justified by the railroads as ensuring safety. Such observations are all too often used to intimidate and punish workers who encounter safety issues or to deflect liability if there is an injury.
Stronger protections for whistleblowers are a priority for all of us. “We must hold the railroads accountable,” said Hynes. “Workers must be able to report safety violations without fear of losing their jobs.”
Texas 2025 Regional Training, Registration Now Open!
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas, Near the Galleria
Dates: March 10-13, 2025 (S&T: March 10-14)
Room Rate: $141/night
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.
