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Lansing, MI — A major win for railroad workers and public safety advocates came this week as the Michigan Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed Senate Bill 100 (SB 100) with a 7-2 vote. The bill, which mandates a minimum two-person crew on freight trains operating in Michigan, will now move to the full Senate. 

SB 100, introduced by Senator Erika Geiss (D-1st District) and supported by the SMART-TD union, aims to improve railroad safety and working conditions. Geiss, who chairs the committee, led the effort, with all six Democratic committee members voting in favor, joined by Republican Senator Edward McBroom (R-38th District). 

Don Roach, SMART-TD Michigan State Safety and Legislative Director, praised McBroom for his bipartisan support, emphasizing the importance of safety over politics. Roach also highlighted the growing need for state-level protections due to legal challenges to federal two-person crew regulations. 

Michigan State Senator and Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Erika Geiss, Michigan State Legislative Director, Don Roach, and Michigan State Senator and Co-sponsor of SB 100, Stephanie Chang,

SB 100 addresses concerns over railroads seeking to reduce crew sizes, a practice critics argue jeopardizes both worker safety and community well-being. The bill’s passage marks a significant step forward for Michigan’s efforts to ensure safer, more accountable railroad operations. 

Supporters are hopeful the full Senate will pass the bill and send it to the Michigan House for further consideration. “This is a victory for rail workers, public safety, and Michigan families,” Roach said. “We’ll keep pushing to make sure this legislation becomes law.” 

Support Needed After Tragic Accident in Costa Rica

Brother Nii Nunoo, a dedicated conductor for the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) Railroad and a 15-year member of Local 1413, is facing an incredibly difficult situation.

While on vacation in Costa Rica with his family, Brother Nunoo’s 8-year-old son, Ben, fell from a hotel balcony due to a faulty railing. Miraculously, Ben survived the fall, but he sustained serious injuries. His injuries require him to remain in Costa Rica for extensive medical treatment and recovery. His mother will stay by his side for over a month as he heals.

The unexpected and exorbitant costs of medical bills, extended stays, and the need for specialized care in a foreign country have put a significant strain on the Nunoo family finances. As a union family, Local 1413 is reaching out to fellow SMART-TD members for assistance.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help with these costs. Any contribution, no matter the size, will go a long way in supporting Brother Nunoo and his family until Ben has recovered enough to return home.

Please consider contributing to help ease their burden:

Visit the GoFundMe and Donate to help Ben Nunoo ►

In times like these, the strength of our union shines brightest. Let’s show our solidarity and help our brother and his young family make it through this crisis.

Amtrak’s Deadly Cost-Cutting Measures: A Conductor’s Story 

Brother Robert Cleverly, a 28-year Amtrak veteran Conductor from Local 117 in Shelby, MT, recently faced a harrowing experience that underscores the dangers of Amtrak’s cost-cutting measures. While working on a train without an Assistant Conductor (AC), a position that has been increasingly overlooked and undervalued by Amtrak, his train was struck by a vehicle, leaving multiple teenagers critically injured. 

Left alone in a crisis

This tragic incident left Brother Cleverly alone, grappling with a horrific situation. He bravely performed life-saving measures on one passenger but tragically couldn’t save others. He witnessed a young life end in his arms, a trauma no worker should have to endure. The lack of an AC meant that Cleverly, the only one with CPR training, was solely responsible for attempting to save multiple lives. 

Local news coverage of the accident ►  

Short Staffing: A widespread and dangerous trend

While Brother Cleverly received extra pay for working without an AC that day, he stated, “The extra pay for being short-staffed didn’t come close to making up for what I went through.” When something goes wrong, having one less person on board can turn a minor incident into a major crisis.  

His experience is not an isolated incident. Amtrak conductors are routinely asked to work without an AC, leaving them with inadequate support and placing an unfair burden on their shoulders. This short staffing has become a widespread problem, jeopardizing the safety of both workers and passengers. 

From full crews to skeleton staffs

Over the years, Amtrak has systematically reduced its train crews to a fraction of what they once were. In the past, long-haul passenger trains boasted a conductor, two ACs, dedicated attendants for each sleeper car, and a full dining car staff. Today, those same routes operate with a skeleton crew with just one conductor, one AC, and an engineer. And if there is not an AC available to take the call to work, the train runs with just one conductor and one engineer. The cuts mirror the “Precision Scheduled Railroading” (PSR) that have plagued our freight rail brothers and sisters since 2017. 

Amtrak: executive bonuses are an embarrassment 

Amtrak’s focus on “dollars and cents,” rather than “morals and sense,” is evident in its persistent understaffing and general disregard for its employees. The company’s top brass has been receiving substantial bonuses while our members are asked to do more with less. This blatant disregard for the safety and welfare of our men and women is unacceptable. 

SMART-TD demands change

SMART-TD is calling on Amtrak to prioritize the safety of its workers and passengers by: 

  • Return to consistent and reasonable staffing levels (No AC-No Train). 
  • Honor existing agreements.
  • End the use of hiring freezes as a budget-saving measure. 

It’s time for Amtrak to stop treating staffing as a line item that can be manipulated in its budget. Lives are at stake. We demand that Amtrak reallocate its resources to hire more staff and support the people who make the railroad function. Our members and the passengers we serve deserve better. The time for change is now! 

National Mediation Board backs SMART-TD agreement with Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway 

SMART-TD Local 584 ratified a new five-year agreement with the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway, a subsidiary of the Genesee & Wyoming, which spans 292 miles from Pensacola, Florida, to Columbus, Mississippi. The contract resolves long-standing wage issues for their 50 Train and Engine (T&E) members. 

Negotiated by General Chairperson Adren Crawford and SMART-TD Vice President Jamie Modesitt, the agreement provides a 16.4% raise in pay in the first year, with further increases each year, which compounds to 33.57% over the five-year agreement. Granting the largest increase in the first year of the agreement maximizes income growth, as it compounds over the length of the agreement.  This win helps our brothers and sisters in the A&GC catch up on past wage increases that have fallen short. 

“I’ve worked at this railroad for over 20 years, and I’ve watched our pay not keep up with the cost of living or what the Class I guys are making. I’m proud of my members who stuck together on this, didn’t settle, and stuck with me and Adren (GC Crawford), and got a fair contract we can be proud of. Our members work hard to support families like every other railroader. It was good to know Adren, and Vice President Modesitt see that, and it was important to them to listen to and fight for my guys,” Allan Gilliam, Chair of Local 584, explained. 

MEDIATION BOARD BACKS SMART-TD

When Crawford submitted his proposal the railroad immediately appealed to the National Mediation Board (NMB). However, the NMB eventually ruled in our favor.  

Learn about the Mediation Process ►

General Chairperson Crawford expressed gratitude to the members he represents for remaining united. “I want to thank our Local 584 members for their patience and solidarity throughout this lengthy negotiation. They waited a long time for this agreement, and their ability to speak with one voice was the key to the historic success we achieved. This contract should serve as an example to other Genesee and Wyoming crew bases of the value of being organized and members of SMART-TD, the largest labor organization in the American rail industry.” 

SMART-TD MEMBERS ARE TRAINED TO WIN TOUGH NEGOTIATIONS

The Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway is owned and operated by the Genesee & Wyoming Railroad. G&W owns over a hundred short lines in multiple countries. Not all G&W properties have unions to defend their workers’ interests.  

SMART-TD continues to advocate for fair wages and working conditions on railroads of all sizes.  This new contract highlights the importance of collective bargaining for workers in all short lines, especially for those who work for G&W-run companies. This clear-cut win for the dedicated men and women of the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway also provides an example of the strength of SMART-TD negotiated agreements. 

2024-AGR-AgreementDownload

Learn More about Joining SMART-TD ►

Learn More about SMART-TD Training ►

November 11, 2024

Dear SMART-TD Veterans,

On this Veterans Day, we honor the sacrifices you’ve made to safeguard our freedoms and uphold the values that define us. The traditional observance of Veterans Day on November 11 at 11:00 AM holds deep historical significance. This date and time mark the end of World War I, when an armistice with Germany went into effect in 1918, formally ending hostilities on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor veterans from all wars and conflicts. Observing this day at 11:00 AM continues to remind us of the sacrifices made in pursuit of peace and freedom, connecting us to the legacy of service that you, as veterans, carry forward.

I truly appreciate each veteran’s contributions and recognize the myriad ways in which your service enriches our union and strengthens our collective mission. Your hard work and dedication at every level contribute significantly to the strength and respect of union commands. The skills and values you bring from your military background are instrumental to our success, and I am grateful for your ongoing commitment.

For those who may not know, my journey began in the United States Army before I transitioned into a career in railroading and union leadership. Military service instills a deep sense of duty and camaraderie, stressing the importance of unit cohesion in pursuing shared goals. These principles resonate in all of us and continue to guide my every effort within our SMART Transportation Division.

Since last year’s Veteran’s Day message, we have added nearly 900 records indicating Military Veteran Members. The information gathered through the SMART app and Member Portal allows us to better connect with our veteran members and address your specific needs. If you know a fellow veteran in our ranks who hasn’t yet shared their status with us, reach out and support them in doing so.

Thank you for all that you do for SMART-TD and our nation. Together, we will continue to uphold the rights and welfare of our members, just as you have protected the freedoms we hold dear.

Wishing you a thoughtful and meaningful Veterans Day.

In Solidarity,

Jeremy R. Ferguson
President – Transportation Division
U.S. Army Veteran, 1988-19991

CSX RedBlock Program Has Been Protecting Railroaders for Four Decades!  

  

Operation RedBlock (ORB) is celebrating 40 years of protecting our CSX Brothers and Sisters. RedBlock is a safety program that allows employees to mark off without fear of retribution if they are unexpectedly called to work while they are under the influence. The program is invaluable to rail workers and rail carriers alike.  

Before CSX entered this agreement with eight rail labor unions, options for an impaired employee were severely limited. If you had a couple of drinks and knew you were still feeling the effects, you had to take the call and roll the dice or face the consequences of the attendance and discipline programs.  

Since 1984, RedBlock allows us to use our own common sense and judgment to protect ourselves, each other, and the communities where we work.  If our lives get a little out of control, ORB is also there to provide a safe and confidential way for our members to ask for help without the fear of company scrutiny and judgement.  

As we all know, the rails are unforgiving. The smallest mistake or misjudgment can have life-altering consequences. This program has spared over 48,000 of our members from taking this deadly gamble at CSX alone. It is hard to imagine a safety program more successful or aimed more squarely at protecting our personal well-being than ORB.  

Operation RedBlock at CSX is successful because the Class I railroad has agreed to stay out of the way. Rail labor takes care of each other, member-to-member, without interference from the railroad.  

Operation Red Block System Coordinator for CSX, Brother Mike Jackson (Local # 1374, New Castle, PA) told SMART News that this higher level of trust on CSX properties is the key to its success for all involved.  

“Operation RedBlock has been a game changer for safety culture at CSX. In 1983, prior to the program starting, a study was done known as the REAP Report. This exposed just how common the issue of drinking on and before duty was on the railroad. Our members were getting hurt, killed, and fired. That was why Operation RedBlock was founded,” Jackson said.  

Forty years later, the program is still running at CSX, and the results speak for themselves.  

“Reporting that you or a coworker is not fit for duty used to result in people losing their job and their pension. Now, through the efforts of CSX and Operation RedBlock, it results in our brothers and sisters receiving the help and understanding they need and, more importantly, deserve,” Jackson concludes.  

As of 2024, CSX is the only Class One railroad to understand that member-to-member trust is the reason it works so well.  

  

Other carriers chose to place Operation RedBlock in the hands of company officers. Trust between workers and their managers is low. As a result, a man or woman who faces rough times or who wants to get help with an addiction believe that they may be punished for contacting operation RedBlock for the support they want or need. This union believes that this needs to change.  

For decades, tens of thousands of our brothers and sisters reached out to Operation RedBlock and were given a path to treatment before their lives and careers left the rails.  

Congratulations to CSX for 40 years of superior results and for cooperating with their unions as we look out for one another on the rails. Brother Mike Jackson and every Operation RedBlock Captain in every CSX crew base has earned our respect for ensuring each of us has a safe place to address our needs.  

To learn more about Operation Redblock you can find information at oprerationredblock.com or operationredblock.net.   

If you are a CSX member and would like to discuss your options for help with substance abuse or you know a Brother or Sister that may be struggling with these issues, reach out to your local RedBlock Captain as listed on the CSX website, by contacting any of your local officers, or call the CSX  EAP 24hr Help Line at 1-800-657-3366.  

Local 622 Shows Up For Vets Returning Home.

On October 12, 2024, Local 622 (Birmingham, Alabama) took part in the first annual Dovetail Landing Rockin For Recovery Fall Festival, a community event celebrating the mission and services of Dovetail Landing. Marine Corps Veteran Sergeant Stephen Henderson a member of Local 622, plays a key role in the organization as an active volunteer on the Dovetail Brigade, lending his time and expertise to support its important work.

Dovetail Landing, as subsidiary of Alabama Veterans, was formed after the passing of Alana Centilli’s son, Lance Corporal Daniel Centilli, and is dedicated to providing veterans and their families with a peaceful, healthy environment where they can rehabilitate, acclimate, and reintegrate into society. With a focus on addressing the health crisis faced by many returning veterans, Dovetail Landing seeks to improve their well-being and quality of life.

Alana Centilli, President of Dovetail Landing, has channeled her personal loss into a driving force behind the organization’s work. Her commitment to honoring her son’s legacy has been crucial in shaping the services and outreach programs Dovetail Landing offers, helping veterans heal and rebuild their lives.

Dovetail Landing offers a wide range of services, including workforce and reintegration training, post-secondary education assistance, patient rehabilitation, and wellness care. Veterans are also provided job training tailored to the needs of affiliated employers, along with both short-and long-term care options.

Specialized holistic therapy is available for veterans and their families, with a focus on PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Dovetail Landing also provides temporary residential housing for single veterans and veteran families, creating a supportive environment for recovery.

In addition to its therapeutic services, Dovetail Landing features an agricultural harvest and re-training area, along with a variety of outdoor recreational activities. These include bike trails, rock climbing, yoga, kayaking, fishing, ropes courses, and aquatic recreation, all aimed at promoting physical and mental health.

The Fall Festival brought the community together to show support for local veterans and raise awareness of the valuable resources Dovetail Landing offers. It was a day filled with activities and connection, highlighting the vital work being done for veterans in the area.

For more information on Dovetail Landing

National Rail Negotiation Update 

Our Section 6 notices have been finalized and are in the process of being filed with the railroads, which list our priorities for the next round of national agreement negotiations. These notices are formal proclamations of bargaining issues that the parties intend to raise in negotiations that will begin on or shortly after January 1, 2025. 

Unlike earlier rounds of negotiating our agreements, three of the six Class I’s (BNSF, NS, and CSX) are negotiating independently, two (CN, UP) are negotiating through the traditional process. CPKC is bargaining wage and rules independently, but joining the national group on issues of health and welfare

SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson addressed the members of District No. 1 as they undertook the process of reviewing and combining Section 6 suggestions that arrived from across the union. 

“This is uncharted waters for all of us. One thing we must ensure is that we maintain our communication and coordination among the General Committees who have already reached tentative agreements with different railroads.” Ferguson went on to say, “If we stay united while the Carriers are splintered, it will defeat any attempts by them to divide and conquer labor.” 

Member suggestions define union priorities

In June and July of this year, SMART-TD requested input from General Committees, Locals, and individual members on items to include in its Section 6 Notices.  

During the 45-day submission period, SMART-TD received more than 1,600 separate recommendations, encompassing over 60 areas of concern. Wages, healthcare costs, and attendance policies are still among our members’ top priorities. Members are also placing an increased emphasis on issues such as vacation, certification pay, overtime, the addition of/increases to existing paid sick leave, held-away pay, cost of living adjustments, and meals. Of course, there are many other important topics, but these are the most raised.  

“I am honored to have led this process and worked with our General Chairpersons to finalize a draft of our Notices,” said District No. 1 Chairperson Scott Chelette (GCA-927, Union Pacific). “Our Union’s process is a bottom-up structure, where the voices of our members transform into the foundation of our negotiations with the rail Carriers. I couldn’t be any more appreciative of our members for their valuable input, and I couldn’t be prouder of District No. 1’s hard work. Despite the sheer amount of information and the long hours, we made sure that every issue was weighed, discussed, and worked into our Notice for the next round of contract negotiations.” 

District No. 1 represents all SMART-TD freight rail General Committees.  Members who ratified on-property tentative agreements will not be represented in the national negotiations, as their wages, work rules, crew consist, and healthcare are already locked in place through 2029.  

November 6, 2024

The SMART-TD railroad and transit union commends Donald Trump and Vice President Elect, JD Vance, on their victory in the 2024 presidential campaign. While not the candidate we advocated for, we will seek new opportunities to advance our agenda with his administration. Our union’s commitment to advocating for the needs of working people has not and will not be swayed by electoral outcomes. 

The Road Ahead for SMART-TD

We acknowledge the uncertainties that lie ahead as we approach national railroad negotiations and as new regulatory leadership takes shape in Washington. We remain relentless in our fight to defend against carrier attempts to weaken our agreements and to gain every penny and every work rule our members rightfully deserve. Our common goal remains clear: to secure the best possible outcomes for our members, regardless of who holds the office in the White House or which party controls Congress.

SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson, our national and our state safety and legislative departments remain laser-focused on building coalitions to win commonsense, member-serving legislation at every level. We will continue to fight for full freight crews, transit operator safety, and checks on the proven dangers of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR).  

With a Republican-controlled Senate and a President who will once again appoint leaders to key agencies like the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), we expect to face challenges. We will strive to find areas where common ground can be reached, and we will endeavor to preserve regulatory progress. We will engage with all stakeholders, working across the aisle to ensure that our members’ voices are heard.

A Practical Approach to Union Advocacy

With a Republican-majority U.S. Senate and a new crop of elected officials on both sides of the political spectrum, we find ourselves uniquely positioned to advocate for the issues that matter most to our members—whether in Washington, D.C. or on the ground in communities across America. As we move into the second term of a Trump presidency, we believe that our pragmatic, fact-based approach will serve our members well. We will engage and share the truth of the realities behind the wheel and on the ballast.

The SMART-TD endorsement process is driven by outcomes, not by party. This method, unlike the party-driven endorsements of other unions, allows us to build a coalition of allies, including both Republicans and Democrats. We will work with anyone committed to improving the quality of life for working people. We will continue this work and seek the support of both Republican and Democratic leaders to advocate for policies that directly benefit our members.

As we approach critical moments in the legislative and regulatory landscape—such as the ongoing fight for railroad safety legislation like the Vance-Brown Railroad Safety Act of 2023—SMART-TD continues to lead the fight for safety and fairness in our industry. Our advocacy for protections such as 2-person crews, safety protocols, and protections against assault for our bus and transit members continues without interruption.

Gratitude and Collaboration

As we reflect on the election results, SMART-TD extends congratulations to all those who won their races on both sides of the political spectrum, including our allies, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). These individuals, along with many other supporters in both the railroad and public transportation sectors, will be crucial to our continued progress in addressing the issues facing workers in our industry.

SMART-TD remains committed to pushing forward in the fight for stronger safety standards, better work rules, and a better quality of life for every one of our members—no matter who occupies the White House or the halls of Congress. With our steadfast determination and focus, we are confident that we will continue to be a powerful force for positive change in the coming years.

In Solidarity,

SMART Transportation Division
North America’s Bus, Railroad and Transit Union

New Maximum Daily Benefit Available for DIPP Participants Starting Jan. 1, 2025

SMART Transportation Division and the Trustees of the Discipline Income Protection Program (DIPP) are pleased to announce a new benefit level for program participants. Beginning January 1, 2025, participants can elect a monthly daily benefit of $300 for only $96.

SMART sponsors DIPP, which provides benefits to SMART members who are subject to specific disciplinary measures by their employers.  The Plan is a welfare plan covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and is fully funded and owned by its participants…the members! Please click here for a list of suspensions or discharges not covered by the Plan, such as attendance violations.

Program Highlights:

  • Participants can choose from various levels of protection, ranging from $6 to $300 per day.
  • Every participant is eligible for up to 365 days of benefit coverage.
  • DIPP provides crucial financial protection for members when income is at risk due to suspension, dismissal, or removal from service by the carrier.
  • Benefits Paid to Members
    • 2024    $3,251,430     (as of 9/30/2024)
    • 2023    $4,183,010
    • 2022    $4,433,020
    • 2021    $7,093,216
    • 2020    $9,386,400
  • Claim Approval %
    • 2024    90.56%             (as of 9/30/2024)
    • 2023    90.34%
    • 2022    86.04%
    • 2021    85.44%
    • 2020    91.01%

How to Join DIPP or Increase Your Daily Benefit:

For more information, visit smart-union.org/td/dipp.