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Philadelphia, PA – A potential strike by members of the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) could disrupt public transportation services in Philadelphia starting at 12:01 AM on Thursday, November 7. The announcement comes as TWU members express their discontent over ongoing negotiations with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).  

SMART-TD Alternate Vice President Anthony Petty, who represents our SEPTA members in their general committee, had this to say to SMART News, “SMART-TD and Local 1594 stand with our brothers and sisters at TWU local 234. We are involved in separate negotiations with different timelines, but we are both trying to reach similar goals.  Their fight is our fight.”  

Union leaders from both SMART-TD and TWU are pushing SEPTA for safer working conditions and improved compensation. SMART-TD is still negotiating with SEPTA, and our agreement does not expire until November 18.  No job action can be taken by SMART-TD members until the appropriate processes are completed.  

However, in the event that you are confronted with a picket line or similar activity, Section 92 of Article 21-B in the SMART constitution states the following.  

” When a strike of any other nationally recognized labor organization 

is in effect and danger to the safety of our members exists in or about 

the area affected by the strike, and/or if there exists any substantial 

present or potential threat of danger to the members en route to or 

from their work, and/or to the members’ families, it is the policy of 

SMART to support its members in declining to enter the territory 

directly affected.” 

If you feel your safety is at risk due to the actions of a striking union, you should notify your supervisor immediately and document your concerns. Once you are in a secure location, ask your local union officers for further guidance.  

Impact of a strike on commuters 

As negotiations continue, commuters are advised to stay informed about the situation. If the TWU decides to strike, SEPTA could face significant operational disruptions, affecting bus, trolley, and regional rail services across the city. SMART-TD and the leadership team at Local 1594 will keep you informed.  

$300 Daily Benefit Now Available Through SMART-TD!

SMART-TD Announces Increased Discipline Income Protection Plan Benefits for Railroaders and Bus Operators

SMART-TD is excited to share an important update that aims to provide greater protection for our dedicated members. Under the leadership of President Ferguson, who also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Discipline Income Protection Plan (DIPP), we are proud to announce that effective Jan. 1, 2025, the maximum daily benefit for our DIPP insurance has been increased to $300 per day.

This increase comes at a crucial time for our members. Historically, freight railroads have used disciplinary actions as a strategy to manage headcount during slower seasons, often opting for write-ups rather than furloughs. Our members must be prepared as we head into the traditional slow-down period between the holidays and the spring. When business slows, many of our hardworking men and women may face unwarranted disciplinary actions that could put them out of service—issues that might have previously been met with a warning or a simple acknowledgment of a job well done. Our local officers and General Committees do great work defending members against these trumped-up charges, but in the meantime, there is no reason to allow the railroad to starve our people out.

With the new $300 daily benefit, members can now better safeguard themselves and their families when they face investigations and time away from work. This increase in protection means more financial stability in challenging times, ensuring you have the support you need when it matters most.

This program is crafted not for profit but for the unique needs of our TD members. TD members design it for TD members. We understand the complexities of your work conditions and are committed to providing the best possible support.

We encourage all SMART-TD members to take full advantage of this enhanced benefit. The previous maximum daily benefit was $250. The extra $50 will go a long way toward making our men and women comfortable while out of service rather than just getting by. If you have family obligations or want to be prepared for unexpected challenges, this added layer of protection is here for you.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the rail and transit industry. Together, we’ll continue to advocate for the rights and welfare of all our members.

For further details on how to enroll in or utilize the DIPP, please reach out to your local representative or visit the DIPP Information Page.

Stay safe, stay protected, and let’s look out for one another!

Team Harris Is With Us!

  • 2-Person Crew Federal Rule
  • FTA Protections Against Bus/Transit Assault
  • Hours Of Service Protections For Yardmasters
  • Paid Sick Leave

Team Trump Is Against Us!

  • Precision Scheduled Railroading
  • Driverless Busses and Trains
  • Unions Made Illegal
  • Mass Furloughs

When it comes to election recommendations, the only driver for SMART-TD is whether the candidate is WITH US or AGAINST US. We only look at transportation and labor issues.

We do our homework on every candidate and evaluate their voting record to determine if a candidate is on our side. Political party has zero bearing on SMART-TD’s endorsements.

All of the candidates we have endorsed have proven they stand with us. As we get closer to election day, we are highlighting some of the most important legislators who have earned our support! 

Chris Smith (R): Endorsed, and Scott Perry (R): Opposed by SMART-TD

Rep. Chris Smith (R) New Jersey – 4

Seeking Reelection

Cosponsor: Multiple 2-Person Crew Bills

Cosponsor: Bus Operator and Pedestrian Protection Act

Cosponsor: Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act

Congressman Chris Smith has been championing legislation to keep SMART-TD members safe, employed, and respected for 22 terms in office! In that time, Rep. Smith has sponsored and cosponsored bills supporting our Bus, Passenger Rail, and Freight members. He has been an aggressive advocate for 2-Person Crews on freight trains and has cosponsored legislation on this topic many times over the years. SMART-TD encourages our members in New Jersey’s 4th District to give Rep. Smith the support he has earned from our union in his career with over 40 years worth of advocating on behalf of transportation workers. He is definitely WITH US!

Rep. Scott Perry (R) Pennsylvania – 10

Seeking Reelection

Cosponsor: House Joint Resolution 130 REPEALING 2-PC

Congressman Scott Perry has consistently voted against the best interest of SMART-TD members since he arrived in Washington D.C. His seat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the U.S. House makes his blatant opposition to our membership all the more urgent of a problem! When the Biden-Harris Administration announced the favorable ruling on 2-PC, Perry went so far as to cosponsor a bill to overturn that decision. Perry is unquestionably AGAINST US!

October 18, 2024 

The majority of SMART-TD represented CSX Yardmasters ratified their tentative agreement. They deem the proposal fair and appreciate the retention of unchanged healthcare benefits for the next five years, which serves both long-standing and new members well. The expedited timeline for earning additional vacation weeks was also a significant advantage for everyone involved.  

The agreement is the result of a series of town halls held by our Yardmaster General Chairs and local officers. Our membership debated, researched the advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately made a free and informed decision. 

Chris Bartz, SMART-TD Alternate Vice President and an active Yardmaster, expressed his congratulations to the CSX Yardmasters. He stated, “I want to commend the Yardmasters of CSX for rising above the distractions of social media and choosing to ratify this solid agreement. They asked the tough questions, conducted their own research, and voted with clear minds. This agreement will continue to support them and their families in the future.” 

While we all hope for a more substantial general wage increase, the newly ratified agreement does include a GWI above the average for the past two decades. The absence of healthcare cost offsets was another benefit of the new agreement. Moreover, members benefited from not having to wait indefinitely for a pay increase, which is an unprecedented advantage. 

SMART-TD is taking action to confront the rise of transit assaults with the launch of our new Assault Reporting Form. We can fight for real change when we can present our own proof of verbal and physical assaults that we face in the line of duty. Our online form, available through the SMART app or website, makes this easy to do.

View the Assault Report Form ►

If you experience an assault, please take a few moments to use the Assault Reporting Form. The form is user-friendly and designed to be filled out in just a couple of minutes. We urge all transit members to report every single hostile encounter. We want overwhelming numbers.

Access the Assault Reporting Form through the SMART-TD website under the “Get Involved” menu or through the SMART App. The app is free and available for download on all platforms by searching for “SMART Union” in the app store for your device.

SMART-TD to independently fact-check management data

Workplace violence against transit employees is an enormous concern for all of us. Before today, incident details have been collected and self-reported by transit agency management. We suspect that they often underreport the number and severity of these incidents. SMART-TD’s Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee is changing this narrative by empowering each of us to report incidents directly, allowing SMART-TD to reflect the true extent of the problem. This is one way we can use our collective power to hold our employers accountable.

Bus VP Alvy Hughes, Deputy National Legislative Director Jared Cassity, AFL-CIO TTD Chief Of Staff Matt Colvin, BTAPS Chairperson Christine Ivey, FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool, National Legislative Director Greg Hynes, Bus VP James Sandoval, SMART-TD Auxiliary Rep. Monica Sandoval.

Federal Transit Administration willing to listen

This initiative was discussed during SMART-TD’s First “Bus/Transit Day On The Hill” in August 2024. Our union delegation met with Veronica Vanterpool, acting administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), where she expressed her support for our efforts. Vanderpool requested access to the data we collect, so the FTA can cross-reference our reports with those sent by transit companies. She wants to ensure a comprehensive view of the number and severity of assaults that we face.

SMART-TD’s delegation included Bus Vice Presidents Alvy Hughes and James Sandoval, SMART-TD’s National Legislative Department, and BTAPS Committee Chairperson Christine Ivey.

Learn more about Transit Day on the Hill ►

Transit companies to face consequences if they under-report

If our findings reveal that transit companies are intentionally underreporting assaults, Vanterpool assured us that the FTA will use her federal authority to hold our employers accountable. This is a vital opportunity where we as a union can take a stand, advocate for our own safety, and shine a light on the alarming frequency of the assaults we face.

Our incident reports are gathered by the chair of the BTAPS Committee, and the proper State Safety and Legislative Director, General Committee Chairperson, as well as SMART-TD’s Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director Jared Cassity.

The information we gather on the SMART website and app is protected. Details included in your reports, including the name of who filed each report, are kept confidential. Your manager will not know that you filed a report. 

As SMART-TD members, we all demand a safe work environment. Our participation is crucial in making our voices heard. Together, we can highlight the severity of transit assaults and work towards meaningful change. The data we collect will not only inform regulators but will also empower us to advocate effectively for the rights and safety of our brothers and sisters in the field.

When it comes to election recommendations, the only driver for SMART-TD is whether the candidate is WITH US or AGAINST US. We only look at transportation and labor issues.

We do our homework on every candidate and evaluate their voting record to determine if a candidate is on our side. Political party has zero bearing on SMART-TD’s endorsements.

All of the candidates we have endorsed have proven they stand with us. As we get closer to election day, we are highlighting some of the most important legislators who have earned our support! 

Mike Braun (R) and Tammy Baldwin (D): Endorsed by SMART-TD

Sen. Mike Braun (R) Indiana

Candidate For Governor Of Indiana

Cosponsor: Rail Employee Equity and Fairness Act

Senator Braun crossed party lines to vote for paid sick leave for railroaders. After the bill failed, he took action, holding a press conference with Senator Bernie Sanders and SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson to demand that Class I railroads provide sick leave or face public hearings. His advocacy led to multiple Class I’s offering paid sick leave to our members for the first time.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) Wisconsin

Seeking Reelection

Lead Sponsor: Reliable Rail Service Act

Lead Sponsor: SAFE TRAINS Act

Senator Baldwin has been with SMART-TD on many legislative actions this union has pushed for. In the past two years alone, Baldwin has been the lead sponsor for multiple bills that hold the railroads accountable and promote safety in our members’ workplaces!

Don Bacon (R) and Ruben Gallego (D): Endorsed by SMART-TD

Rep. Don Bacon (R) Nebraska – 2

Seeking Reelection

Cosponsor: Multiple 2-Person Crew And Rail Safety Bills

Rep. Bacon, a former General in the United States Air Force, has been with SMART-TD longer than he has been a member of Congress. He has gone to bat, voting for and cosponsoring legislation benefiting our Bus and Rail members multiple times during his four terms in the House of Representatives. Bacon has been an advocate for this union, and on November 5, we need to rally behind him.

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D) Arizona – 3

US Senate Candidate

Cosponsor: Multiple 2-Person Crew And Rail Safety Bills

Rep. Gallego, a Marine Corporal who served in Iraq, has consistently advocated for 2-Person Crew bills throughout his four terms in the House Of Representatives. He is now running to serve Arizona as their next U.S. Senator. On November 5, SMART-TD is asking for our members’ support to move this friend of rail labor into the United States Senate!

Brian Fitzpatrick (R) and Chris Deluzio (D): Endorsed by SMART-TD

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R) Pennsylvania – 1

Seeking Reelection

Cosponsor: Railroad Safety Enhancement Act Of 2024

Rep. Fitzpatrick consistently advocates for workers in every critical legislative debate involving the transportation industry. He champions the interests of SMART-TD members nationwide, making him a valuable ally.

Rep. Chris Deluzio (D) Pennsylvania – 17

Seeking Reelection

Cosponsor: Railroad Safety Enhancement Act Of 2024

Since taking his role on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Deluzio has defended SMART-TD members’ interests at every opportunity.

Sherrod Brown (D) and Josh Hawley (R): Endorsed by SMART-TD

Senator Josh Hawley (R) Missouri

Seeking Reelection

Cosponsor: Railway Safety Act of 2023

Cosponsor: Railroad Employee Equality and Fairness Act (REEF Act)

Senator Hawley voted with our interests, including the vote to provide paid sick leave to all rail employees.

Senator Sherrod Brown (D) Ohio

Seeking Reelection

Lead Sponsor: Railway Safety Act of 2023

Cosponsor: Railroad Employee Equality and Fairness Act (REEF Act)

Senator Brown voted with our interests, including the vote to provide paid sick leave to all rail employees.

Troy Nehls (R) and Colin Allred (D): Endorsed by SMART-TD

Representative Troy Nehls (R) Texas – 22

Seeking Reelection

Primary Sponsor: US House Rail Safety Act, H.R. 8996

As Chairman of the House Subcommittee of Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, Nehls held the only house hearing on rail safety since the East Palestine, OH railroad disaster.

Representative Colin Allred (D) Texas – 32

US Senate Candidate

Cosponsor: US House Rail Safety Act, H.R. 8996

Rep. Allred has been a long-time supporter of our issues. He has proven his willingness to take a stand against the corporate greed of the railroad industry and side with rail labor.

Boston, MA (October 23, 2024) — Hundreds of railroaders, along with friends, family and labor supporters, gathered at Boston’s historic South Station to rally for fair wages, sick leave, maternity days and other essential benefits.  
The event was coordinated by a coalition of rail labor organizations, including SMART-TD, the AFL-CIO, IAM, ATDA, BRS, TCU, and IBEW. They confronted Keolis, the French-owned passenger rail operator of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, who have neglected negotiations since the previous contract expired July 1, 2022. 
The rally featured passionate speeches from local Boston elected officials, four members of Congress and representatives from multiple rail unions.  
Notably, SMART-TD was represented by Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director Jared Cassity, who emphasized the importance of solidarity among the unions. “Today is our day. Now is the time to get the contract you all deserve!” Cassity declared. “It does not matter if you are an engineer. It does not matter if you are a conductor, if you’re a signalman, a dispatcher, a track worker, whatever the issues are, they are OUR issues. And the only way we fix them is when we stand together, and we fight together!” 
Keolis, which operates under contract with MBTA, has been accused of failing to bargain in good faith with SMART-TD and the other unions representing their workforce. As Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA 7) pointed out in her speech, Keolis workers are paid on average 12% less than their counterparts on Amtrak to move the same passengers in Massachusetts. 
“We showed Keolis that workers, riders, our congressional delegation and the whole Massachusetts labor movement is behind us in our fight for a fair contract,” said New England Safety & Legislative Director Dave Stevenson.  
The mood at the rally was one of determination and unity. The overwhelming message was clear: the workers will continue to fight for a fair agreement until they have a new contract. An additional message was sent by several of the speakers, most notably by Congressman Steve Lynch, (D-MA 8) who pointed out that Keolis is contracted out by MBTA to run the commuter rail system in Boston, and their contract is coming up for bid. He made it clear that if Keolis doesn’t come to the table and get serious about retaining their frontline workers who keep Boston trains running safely and on time, they will be replaced by a contractor that will.  
SMART-TD is proud to report that more than 50 of our men and women attended the Oct. 23 rally and would like to thank all our members including our brothers and sisters on the Sheet Metal side of our organization who attended and contributed their voices to a good cause.  
SMART News will continue to keep you informed as the fight against Keolis continues.  
For SMART-TD union bus operators, and railroaders nationwide, threats to Social Security loom large
 
In a recent Washington Post article, it was reported that the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan group aimed at opposing the federal deficit, stated that “A new report projects that the Social Security Trust Fund might run out of money within six years under a Donald Trump presidency.” This alarming projection raises significant concerns for all members of our union (especially members of our bus department) as well as retirees nationwide, who rely on Social Security to support their retirement.
Rail members and retirees who benefit from a defined pension provided by the Railroad Retirement Board are quick to point out that our RRB pensions are completely separate from the Social Security system that the majority of Americans pay into. That is not as true as we would like to think. It is true that the RRB trust fund and the Social Security trust fund are two separate pots of money. Also, it is a fact that the RRB trust fund is in better shape than its counterpart at SS; however, Social Security is still the national standard, and when they change policies, RRB tends to follow suit. If and when SS runs out of money and begins reducing the percentage they are paying out, it is distinctly possible RRB will mirror that policy change as it relates to how they manage Tier I retirement payments. So when Social Security payments get reduced, railroaders could very well feel the squeeze right along with every other American retiree.  
If Social Security dries up in this country, it will not be a bus member issue or a rail member issue; it will be a SMART-TD issue.
Social Security’s solvency directly affects bus and transit operators and retirees nationwide. Most Americans depend on Social Security, which they have faithfully contributed to throughout their careers. They’ve paid their fair share into a system designed to provide them with financial stability throughout retirement. It is unacceptable that after a lifetime of labor, they may face an uncertain future due to reckless fiscal policies.
The Washington Post article highlights a stark reality: “Compared to prior presidential campaigns, I can’t think of anything that would be this order of magnitude in its detrimental effect on Social Security’s bottom line compared to the policies Trump has proposed,” Marc Goldwein, senior policy director for Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, told the newspaper. These proposals, which include massive tax cuts for business owners and corporate bailouts, threaten to deplete the very retirements our members have diligently built.
As the report outlines, the potential consequences are severe: “All added up, the report forecasts that Social Security under Trump would hit the point where by law it must cut benefits in 2031 or 2032,” leading to a “reduction for all Social Security checks to a predicted cut of about 33 percent.”
For the workers and retirees dependent on Social Security, this translates to a significant and devastating reduction in the retirement income they expect and deserve after years of dedication and service to the public and to this union.
SMART-TD is not in the business of accepting agreements from transit agencies or railroad companies that give our members a 33% pay cut. It is unacceptable for our active members, and it is unacceptable to accept this for the nation’s retirees!
This situation represents a shocking abuse of the American worker, particularly for our SMART-TD brothers and sisters. The threat to Social Security is not just an economic issue. For SMART-TD, it is a moral one. Our members deserve what they have worked for, and it is our responsibility to stand against the policies of any employer, and in this case, any presidential candidate, that jeopardizes that security.
As we move forward as a union, we must remain vigilant in advocating for the protection and enhancement of Social Security. It is crucial that we amplify our voices and demand that the rights of all workers are upheld. The future of our retirement security is at stake, and together, we can fight to ensure that our hard-earned benefits are preserved for generations to come.
On Aug. 12, delegates at the Third SMART General Convention voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president in the upcoming 2024 election following President Joe Biden’s announcement on July 21 that he would end his re-election campaign.
This significant endorsement reflects the voice of SMART-TD’s members, who have long fought for the safety and well-being of our freight rail workers.
SMART-TD extends its heartfelt thanks to President Biden for his dedicated service and commitment to the labor movement. Under his watch, we made significant advancements in protecting our bus, transit and railroad members. The doors of his administration were always open when we needed to speak with the Department of Transportation, FRA, FTA, NTSB or STB, or others.
We are eager to support Vice President Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in continuing the vital work that has marked the Biden-Harris administration’s tenure.
Advocating for two-person crews
Four years ago, during a global pandemic that tested our resilience, SMART-TD members united to support Biden and Harris, driven by their promise to uphold workers’ rights and enhance safety measures across the board.
The Biden-Harris administration has delivered, notably through the recent Federal Railroad Administration regulation mandating two-person crews on freight trains. This crucial regulation, finalized this spring, stands as a testament to their dedication to improving the working conditions of freight rail members and ensuring safer operations on our railroads.
Two-person crews are not just a policy choice but a critical safety measure that impacts the well-being of every freight rail worker. The presence of two qualified individuals in the cab of a freight train helps prevent accidents, ensures immediate response to emergencies, and supports overall operational safety. It is an essential step towards protecting our members and reinforcing the safety standards within the industry.
Championing worker safety and rights
The Biden-Harris administration has also demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting public transit and bus workers. Their focus on addressing worker assaults in these sectors aligns with our broader goal of ensuring safety and respect for all transportation workers. This administration’s proactive stance on worker safety issues, including FTA’s establishment of Public Transit Safety Plans reflects a clear understanding of the challenges faced by frontline transportation employees and a dedication to creating safer working environments.
Building on a legacy of pro-worker policies
Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz have consistently demonstrated their support for the labor movement. Harris, with her leadership in the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing, and Walz, with his pro-labor legislation as governor — he is the first and only governor to have signed legislation covering yardmaster hours of service — are both strong allies in our continued fight for workers’ rights and safety.
Looking ahead
As we face the possibility of a return to anti-worker policies in November’s election, the SMART-TD stands firm in its support for the Harris-Walz ticket.
Their commitment to the labor movement and their track record of advancing worker-friendly policies make them the best choice to lead our nation forward.
We extend our deepest gratitude to President Biden for his unwavering support and look forward to working with Vice President Kamala Harris to continue advancing the interests of our members and all working families across the country.