Author: dbanks

Home>Articles by: dbanks

SMART-TD leads labor’s charge in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 2025
For the third consecutive year, SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD), the largest organized labor organization in American railroading, brought the strength of 13 rail labor unions under one unified banner to the heart of our nation’s capital.

SMART-TD Reps With Congressman Troy Nehls (R-Tex. Dist. 22)

A united front for railroad safety

Led by our National Safety and Legislative Department under Director, Greg Hynes, SMART-TD is reshaping the conversation around rail policy in Washington. Representatives from every craft of the rail industry, train and engine crews, signal maintainers, dispatchers, car knockers, track department, and more were divided into strategic teams. Each group was armed with a full day’s schedule of back-to-back meetings with lawmakers in the House and Senate.

This structure enabled each group to present a comprehensive, multi-departmental view of the rail industry’s most pressing concerns. When labor speaks with one voice and from every angle, Congress listens. The impact of this model was made clear in December 2024, as the successful passage of the Rail Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act was widely credited to SMART-TD’s 2024 Railroad Day efforts.

“In the past two years, railroad day events, SMART-TD’s message, and the way we delivered it struck a chord. We knew we had created something powerful with this model,” said Hynes. “And this year proved it. We scheduled and executed over 130 meetings on the Hill, our most ever. That kind of momentum builds on itself.”

This year’s event saw more participation than ever before. New unions joined the coalition, including a notable appearance by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLE-T).

SMART State Safety and Legislative Directors meeting with Congressman Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey Dist. 8)

Railroad Union organizes a record-breaking year for participation and access

Increased awareness of the quality, professionalism, and impact of our advocacy resulted in unprecedented interest on both sides of the aisle.

Many representatives cited the need to better understand the real-world consequences of multiple pending rail safety bills.

SMART-TD delegation meets with Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Illinois Dist. 17) Left, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) Right

Labor delegates generate results with real-world stories

“We’re in lawmakers’ ears every day,” Hynes said, referencing the tireless work of Deputy Director Jared Cassity and the legislative team on issues like train length and safety inspections. “But when a local officer or State Legislative Board member from their own district walks into their office and tells them what’s happening back home, it lands differently. It hits harder. And it sticks.”

SMART-TD would like to thank all local officers, general committee officers, and members of our State Safety Legislative Boards who traveled to Washington to lend their voices and their expertise. Your stories brought the issues to life, and your presence made an impression far deeper than you may ever know.

“I want to personally thank our brothers and sisters from across the 13 unions who stood shoulder to shoulder with us this year,” Hynes added. “You lent us your voice and your craft expertise. That collaboration is what makes this event work, and makes progress possible.”

SMART-TD’s SMART Delegation with Congressman Greg Landsman (D-Ohio Dist. 1)

Behind the scenes: precision and leadership

Though the energy on Capitol Hill was fast-paced and electric, it was SMART-TD staffer Jenny Miller’s behind-the-scenes mastery that brought the event to life. As the chief of staff for our National Safety and Legislative Department, sister Miller coordinated dozens of railroaders across 130 legislative meetings with lawmakers and staff. This is no small task.

“It’s a kind of three-dimensional chess that most people could never pull off,” said Hynes. “But Jenny does it every year, with efficiency and surgical precision. She deserves enormous credit.”

Oregon Alternate SLD, Dallas Johson, Representative Valerie Hoyle (D-Oregon Dist. 4), and Oregon SLD, Dan Garrison

Looking ahead

With more allies in both political parties and both houses of Congress and stronger solidarity among rail unions, the SMART-TD-led Railroad Day on the Hill has set a new gold standard for how labor advocacy should be done in Washington.

Today we brought the truth to power: and power is responding.

General Chairperson Scott Chelette GCA-927 with U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania)

DENVER, CO — May 6, 2025

After more than two years of relentless organizing, lobbying, and standing firm in the face of corporate pushback, SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) is proud to announce permanent funding for the Colorado Office of Railroad Safety. And make no mistake: the successful passage of Colorado State Bill SB25-162 is the direct result of relentless work by our union’s safety team.

Carl Smith and the Colorado Safety Team Deliver Results

State Legislative Director Carl Smith was the driving force behind this landmark achievement. His leadership, grit, and tireless commitment guided this bill from conception to final passage. With the full support of SMART-TD’s Colorado State Safety and Legislative Board, Smith shepherded the legislation through two full sessions of Colorado’s legislative process.

“Carl fought this battle for more than two years,” said Omar Ledesma, Colorado’s Alternate State Safety and Legislative Director. “It took a toll on all of us, and there were times when the odds were stacked against us. But Carl is the kind of leader who doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t get discouraged by setbacks. He gets results.”

Colorado Creates a New Precedent for Railroad Safety

The Colorado Office of Railroad Safety will be charged with collecting and analyzing safety data, including the impact of train length, crew size, and scheduling on accident rates—key areas the carriers and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) have consistently claimed lack “data to support.”

Thanks to this legislation, SMART-TD will now have the data to push back both in Colorado and nationally.

“Every time we push a rail safety bill, the carriers throw up their hands and say ‘there’s no data,’” said Smith. “Well, now there will be. This office is going to give us the ammunition we need to change not just the safety culture in Colorado, but nationally.”

Carriers to Fund the Safety Office

In the final weeks of debate, some lawmakers floated outrageous amendments—including one that would have required railroad workers themselves to split the cost of operating the Safety Office. SMART-TD stood firm, and those amendments were defeated.

Make no mistake: the railroads themselves will fund the Office of Railroad Safety, not the workers whose lives are on the line every day. That’s a principle that Smith, Ledesma, and the Colorado Board never backed down from.

Safer Railroads a Union Effort from Start to Finish

Brother Smith credited the union members for making this dream a reality:

“I want to thank our legislative board, the lawmakers who believed in this mission, and most of all, the members of SMART-TD in Colorado. For over two years, I could count on them to write their representatives, show up in Denver to testify, and sit through committee hearings to make sure our union was felt in the halls of power. They should hold their heads high, because they made real, lasting change.”

This Office will not only protect Colorado’s current rail workforce but also safeguard future generations from preventable tragedy.

SMART-TD Leads the Way in Safety Legislation

While other labor organizations may now try to claim this hard-fought victory, let the record be crystal clear: this is SMART-TD’s bill. Brother Smith built the coalition. He and his board pushed it through every obstacle. SMART-TD didn’t just show up after the work was done; we did the work.

As Carl Smith himself said on the Senate floor: “This wasn’t easy. But railroaders never ask for easy, but we demand safe.”

Let’s also acknowledge those who’ve only now decided to appear: as the old saying goes, some folks are like a blister, they show up after the hard work is done.

This victory belongs to SMART-TD and every railroader who stood up and demanded better. Colorado may be where this story starts, but its impact will be felt from coast to coast.

Union Leader on a Mission: Running for a Cause

Gary, Indiana — Brian McWilliams, General Chairperson of SMART Transportation Division Local 1383 raised over $3,700 for a local high school’s athletic and music programs by running 63-miles over 24 hours. Through his remarkable endurance, thanks to a three-year commitment to training, McWilliams demonstrated his dedication to his community and the values of the SMART-TD union.

McWilliams, who has been a member of SMART-TD for nearly 17 years, said his initiative was more than a personal achievement; it was a heartfelt contribution to programs that have significantly impacted his family.

“I knew I wanted to do this,” McWilliams said. “I wanted it to mean something. At first, I only told a few friends, but the day before I did it, I put it on GoFundMe, and the community really took off with it!”

In his GoFundMe campaign, McWilliams shared:

“The athletic department is especially meaningful to me because I’ve seen firsthand the positive influence the volleyball team has had on my daughters, teaching them how to win, lose, and lead. The music department holds a special place in my heart because when I first picked up a guitar at 20 and strummed two chords, a whole new world opened up for me.”

Endurance, Rain, and Resolve: A 24-Hour Test of Grit

Despite continuous rain, McWilliams remained undeterred throughout his run. He shared hourly updates on Facebook to keep supporters engaged.

When Brother McWilliams reached the 24-hour mark he took a well-earned break but realized that he had run (only) 63 miles of the 65 he had set out to accomplish.

As a General Chairperson he consistently exhibits a willingness to go the extra mile. As in the union, so in life. He got back on his feet and met his goal.

Living SMART-TD Values: Leadership Beyond the Tracks

His actions illustrate what dedication and solidarity can accomplish, both within and beyond the union. He sets a commendable example that with community, training and grit everyone can make a difference.

For those interested in supporting our brother’s ongoing efforts, donations can still be made through the GoFundMe campaign: Portage Pride: Support Athletics and Music.

Congratulations, Brother! We hope you had a P.O. day in the system after your run to get some rest!

General Chairman Rick Pauli has announced his retirement after 32 years as a railroader. As he steps away, Rick leaves a stronger, more resilient union in his wake. His care and contributions will resonate for years to come.

Brother Pauli hired onto Amtrak in January 1993 as a Passenger Conductor.  He became Local Chairman of Harrisburg Local 816 in 2009 before becoming General Committee Secretary in 2013. In November of 2018, he moved up to Vice General Chairman before ascending to General Chairman of GO-769 the following February.  

Pauli successfully negotiated several collective bargaining agreements, bringing unprecedented wage increases to his members. This includes the 2024 Amtrak Agreement that delivered the highest wage increase in Amtrak’s history. 

He has arbitrated hundreds of cases, reinstating several members with full back pay while establishing precedents that protect all our members across a range of claims-related issues.

GO-769 Secretary Javier Ramirez, Vice General Chair John Vessels, Michelle Meade, General Chair Rick Pauli, Office Manager Kelli Hack, and Suzanne Bartley.

 In addition, Pauli helped our members navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and other unprecedented challenges on the railroad.

Rick’s dedication, leadership, tireless advocacy, and commitment to improving the lives of those he represented have made a lasting impact. He will always be our brother, and we wish him the very best in this next chapter of his life.

Brother Rick Pauli, we say thank you, for your service to this union and leadership in GO-769.

Farmington, NM — SMART-TD Local 1687, the bus Operators working for Red Apple Transit, have unanimously ratified a four-year agreement that delivers a significant wage increase, along with new quality of life precedents.

The Secret to Employee Retention: Respect, Wages and Quality of Life

“Red Apple came to us frustrated with retention issues and their inability to attract quality operators. We told them point-blank: the quickest way to solve that problem is to raise wages. This agreement shows they heard us loud and clear.” Local Chairperson Steve Economos explained.

When compounded over the four years of the agreement, Local 1687’s members will receive a total wage increase of 22.13%.

Paid Holidays Doubled: From five to ten paid holidays per year.

Bereavement Policy Modernized: Members can use bereavement leave non-consecutively, allowing time for both immediate needs and future services.

Paid Sick Leave Expanded: Sick time has been increased from 40 hours to 64 hours annually, adding three additional paid sick days per year.

PTO Protection During Weather Delays: Previously, Local 1687 members were forced to use PTO when weather delays affected service. That unfair practice ends with this agreement.

Transit Union Creates New Bereavement Leave Precedent

The flexible bereavement leave policy is a powerful new precedent for SMART-TD locals across the country. What started as a Local 1687 priority could be used to negotiate a nationwide standard. Additionally, small injustices like being forced to use their PTO for weather delays don’t make headlines, but they have a real impact on morale. “These are the kinds of things a union is here to fight for,” he said. “We don’t let those things slide.”

The Tentative Agreement (TA) was negotiated by Brother Economos with support from SMART-TD Vice President James Sandoval and General Committee Chairperson Justin Schrock.

“I want to thank our incredible membership for standing together on this. The company didn’t want to lose our members, and that made it so we were able to get our wage increase and much more.” Brother Economos went on to say. “I also want to thank Vice President James Sandoval and General Committee Chairperson Justin Schrock for their work and creativity throughout the process.”

General Committee Chairperson Justin Schrock praised Economos’s leadership during negotiations. “Brother Economos knew exactly what his members wanted, and he carried that with him through every step of this process. He never wavered. I also want to thank Bus Vice President James Sandoval. I had never negotiated alongside James before, but his creativity, knowledge, and determination to win for our members left a strong impression. It was an honor to work with him.”

Schrock had one final message for the members of Local 1687: “Your hard work is seen, and this agreement proves that Red Apple recognizes the high level of talent and professionalism our members bring to the job every day. They’ve shown they’re willing to pay to retain it, and that’s because of you.”

SMART-TD GO-769 General Chairperson Rick Pauli is pleased to announce that his General Committee has reached a tentative agreement (TA) on April 1, 2025, with the TransitAmerica Services, Inc. (TASI) Conductors and Assistant Conductors for its over 150 members in Northern California.

Some of the highlights of the tentative agreement will include:

Retroactive pay from July 1, 2022.

General Wage Increase will be as follows: July 1, 2022 – 5%, July 1, 2023 – 5%, July 1, 2024 – 5%. July 1, 2025 – 4.5%, July 1, 2026 – 4.5%.

This total GWI over the five-year term will compound out to 26.4%.

Modification of bereavement leave to include additional family members.

Increase in the meal period on yard assignments.

A modest increase in Health and Welfare premiums

Overall, this is a great agreement, with very minimal work rule changes and a significant GWI that will certainly set a pattern for Commuter Railroads moving forward. I would like to thank the following people for making this TA possible – Local Chairperson 1732 Reggie Kesecker, Vice General Chairperson, John Vessels, and Secretary of GO-769, Javier Ramirez. I would also like to thank former GO-769 Secretary DeVar Thompson who initially started this process with the team. Without all of their help over these past few years, this TA would not have been possible.

This ratification process will be conducted electronically through BallotPoint. Each member will receive instructions from them on how to cast your vote mailed to your address on file in the coming days. Please get with your Secretary/Treasurer to make sure your address, email and phone number is correctly updated in the system.

Brother Juan Carrillo joined Tennessee Local 1308 on December,1 2024. He’s already saved a man’s life.

A man lying on the tracks

Brother Carrillo was coming into Leewood Yard on March 15, which was completely full of trash as usual. Something black on the rail caught his eye.

“The guy lifted his head…he was just laying on the rail long ways, wearing all black,” Carrillo remembered. “He had black hair. So we couldn’t notice him until he lifted up his head, and we started honking the horn.” It was too late to stop.

“He was fully in the rail,” Carrillo added. “He must have woken up enough to try and roll out, but he didn’t quite get there.” The man disappeared beneath the train.

Life or Death

After the train stopped, Brother Carrillo gathered his gear and rushed to see if anything could be done. He vividly remembers what happened next.

“I was looking on the side, because he was closer to the engineer side,” Carrillo said. “I get there and I see his foot. And then I look further forward. I go closer to check on him, and I wasn’t sure if he was alive or not. Then I noticed he’s breathing.”

“I look at his leg, and it’s kind of shredded up… There was slight hesitation at the beginning just because I thought we had just completely killed [him], but once I saw he was alive, it just kicked right in that I needed to do something.”

Military training pays off

After seven years of active duty and as a current member of the National Guard, Brother Carrillo is confident that his military training and experience played a critical role in this situation.

“Just from running through drills and stuff, you kind of get used to being around hectic situations,” Carrillo described. “It’s a lot easier to keep a calm head and to know what you need to do.”

Keep calm and carry on

Brother Carrillo’s advice for other members who happen to find themselves in a similar situation is simple: “If something like that happens, do your best to keep a calm head.”

He didn’t have a string long enough to form a tourniquet, but he noticed the man’s lace-up boots.

“I take off his boot lace, and I tie a knot on the end…wrap it around his leg or his thigh above where it’s cut off, put it through the knot and tighten it as hard as I can and just start wrapping to keep the pressure on,” Carrillo explained.

Carrillo’s improvised solution stopped the man from bleeding to death.

Lifesaving truth: train crews are always able to respond first

This situation would have turned fatal without a qualified second crewperson in the cab of that train.

Would Trip Optimizer notice the subtle movement of the man’s head or reacted with the same urgency? Could a remote operator jump off the head end and rush to render aid? Can an autonomous cargo unit improvise a tourniquet to wrap around the man’s severed leg?

Further, would a solo engineer be required to man the cab until his Road Utility or roving conductor could drive in to assist? If the lone engineer wanted to help, how long would they be delayed securing their engines and other equipment first?

These questions all have the same answer. The man would have bled out on the tracks before anyone could arrive to help.

A fully manned locomotive is a life-saving necessity. Having a second set of eyes, hands, and instincts makes all the difference in a crisis.

Thank you, Brother Carrillo, for your life-saving actions. Thank you for your service to our country and taking such decisive action in an emergency. Your SMART-TD family is proud to count you as one of our own!

SMART News sits down with Greg Hynes, SMART-TD’s National Director of the Safety and Legislative Department, and Phil Qualy, retired Minnesota Safety and Legislative Director, to discuss the critical implications of proposed cuts within the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

As advocates for the hardworking men and women who keep our nation’s railroads moving, Greg and Phil highlight how these changes could delay essential services, increase processing times, and ultimately impact the financial security of current and future retirees along with every railroader that is furloughed or is out of work for medical reasons.

Watch The Video Here

As Women’s History Month draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the strength, perseverance, and leadership of the women who are shaping our union. Let us be clear: this isn’t about shining a spotlight on a few people for the sake of a month-long observation. Their leadership is rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a woman in our traditionally male-dominated industries.

Throughout March, SMART-TD shared the stories of women like the sisters of the White Pass Railroad, April Ford, Manda Snide, Rashonda Brown, Shakyia Ward, Jessica Martin, and Martha Claugus. These women are not just part of Women’s History Month, they are making history. Period.

We hold our sisters up as trailblazers. These women do the job, work long hours, and lead the way. They are tough as nails, and the respect they receive is earned by proving time and again that they are made of the same grit as anyone else in the labor movement.

History Will Remember Their Strength, The Future Will Know Their Example

These women are paving the way for others to follow. Our union is filled with thousands of equally capable women, and we owe them our gratitude. Every shift they work, every safety issue they tackle, and every member they support strengthens the fabric of our union.

The Real Story: Normalizing Women’s Leadership

Others might use Women’s History Month to paint an idealized picture of what women could achieve in the workforce. But at SMART-TD aren’t here for possibilities, we’re here for realities. Our sisters are laying the groundwork for the future of our industry and of the labor movement in this country. Your impact matters twelve months of the year.

They are the generation that normalized women in leadership roles, who proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that they can be a driving force on the job and in the labor movement.

To our sisters who were featured in SMART News this month, we thank each and every one of you for sharing your stories and for showing what leadership looks like.

March 24, 2025 — SMART-TD GO-769, led by General Chairperson Rick Pauli, has reached a tentative agreement with Keolis Commuter Services. Keolis employs 450 SMART-TD represented conductors and assistant conductors on behalf of the MBTA in Boston.

If you are a Keolis employee please contact Secretary/Treasurer Cole Czub (cole.czub@yahoo.com) to verify your address, email and phone number as soon as possible.   

The ratification process will be conducted electronically through BallotPoint. Instructions for casting a ballot will be mailed to each member over the next few days. 

The tentative agreement includes:

 Retroactive pay from July 1, 2023.

Scheduled general wage increases (GWI): July 1, 2023 – 5%, July 1, 2024 – 5%, July 1, 2025 – 5%. July 1, 2026 – 5%, June 15, 2027 – 5% plus an additional $2.00 per hour.

These increases compound to 32.69% for conductors and 33.51% for assistant conductors over the life of the agreement.

Three (3) additional paid sick days per year.

The addition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday.

The modification of vacation allotments for new employees within their first two years of service.

Modification of bereavement leave to include additional family members.

 These increases were negotiated with minimal work rule changes. The significant GWI increase provides a precedent for other commuter railroads moving forward.

Pauli would like to thank Local 898 Chairpersons Cole Czub and Kenny Owens, Vice General Chairperson John Vessels, GO-769 Secretary Javier Ramirez and Vice President David Weir. Pauli would also like to thank former Local 898 Chairperson Wayne Thistle and former GO-769 Secretary DeVar Thompson for their contributions early in the process. Without their help this TA would not have been possible.