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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.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist Brother Pierce and his family with medical and travel expenses as they prepare to make the trip to Houston this month.

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?

Brother Ekstedt is a 13-year SMART-TD conductor and an administrator of the popular “Fight for Two Person Crews” [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/368900777078500 ] Facebook group.

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.

You can download the SMART App for Apple Devices here or for Android Devices here.

SMART-TD takes a stand against retaliation

The SMART-TD Railroad Union lobbied OSHA and the FRA for stronger whistleblower protections at a virtual meeting on October 29^th.

“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.”

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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.

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

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

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

Timebooks Arriving Soon

The 2025 timebooks will begin shipping to Secretary & Treasurers who requested them during the week of November 25th. This timing ensures there is ample opportunity to distribute them to members before the new year.

A Tradition That Serves Both Rail and Bus Locals

These timebooks are an essential resource for both our rail and bus locals, supporting members in their daily work. We know many of our members use timebooks they get from other sources, or use digital records; however, our union continues the time-honored tradition of providing them to ensure every member has access to this tool. This tradition dates back to our years as the United Transportation Union (UTU) and beyond. These books play a crucial role in holding managers accountable and ensuring that agreements are fairly enforced across all transportation crafts. Whether on the railroads or in the bus industry, these timebooks are vital tools for our members’ protection and for maintaining the standards of our contracts.

Why Physical Timebooks Remain Important

While the idea of creating a digital timebook has been considered, we know that many of our members work in environments where the use of electronic devices is restricted by rules from railroads, transit agencies, or the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). For this reason, the physical timebook remains the most effective option. It is a time-tested tool that’s easy to carry, use, and access when on the job.

Be on the Lookout for Timebook Delivery

Please stay alert for the delivery of your timebooks. If they do not arrive within a reasonable timeframe, local Secretary & Treasurers should contact Nick Torres to arrange for replacements. If your local did not initially request timebooks but would like to provide them to members, Brother Torres is also the point of contact. New orders are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact Information for Timebook Requests:

Nick Torres
Email: ntorres@smart-union.org
Phone: (216) 227-5269

SMART-TD is pleased to announce the 2025 Regional Training Seminars (RTS) schedule. These seminars provide local officers with essential tools and skills to serve our members effectively. Since its introduction in 2020, RTS has strengthened union leadership and fostered valuable connections across all levels of SMART-TD.

2025 RTS Dates and Locations

Dallas, TX: March 10-13 (S&T: March 10-14)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas Near the Galleria
Room Rate: $141/night | Registration Fee: $75
Denver, CO: June 23-26 (S&T: June 23-27)
DoubleTree by Hilton Denver Hotel
Room Rate: $159/night | Registration Fee: $75
Anaheim, CA: September 8-11 (S&T: September 8-12)
Hotel FERA Anaheim, a DoubleTree by Hilton
Room Rate: $159/night | Registration Fee: $75
Atlanta, GA: October 27-30 (S&T: October 27-31)
Marriott Atlanta Buckhead
Room Rate: $159/night | Registration Fee: $75

Why Attend An RTS?

RTS seminars have improved success rates in appeals and claims by equipping local officers with the latest training and resources. These sessions prepare leaders to navigate the challenges of today’s labor environment confidently.

Who Should Attend?

All local officers are encouraged to participate. Sessions are tailored for Local Presidents, Local Chairpersons, Secretary and Treasurers, Safety and Legislative Representatives, and others. Officers from all crafts, including Bus, Passenger Rail, and Freight Rail, will benefit from this training.

Prepare To Register

Registration for the Dallas RTS opens soon. Check our website, emails, and social media for updates.

Mark your calendars and don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your leadership and contribute to SMART-TD’s success in 2025!

North Darby, PA – November 20, 2024 – After intense negotiations, SMART-TD Local 1594 has reached a tentative agreement (TA) with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).

The agreement includes critical safety improvements and a wage increase, addressing longstanding concerns raised by the union over worker protection and security measures for transit operators. This agreement is a major step forward for the roughly 350 members of Local 1594, who stood firm throughout the negotiations.

Anthony Petty, General Chairperson and SMART-TD Alternate Vice President of the Bus Department led the negotiations for Local 1594.

“When SEPTA told us they had no budget for bulletproof glass enclosures, de-escalation training for our members, or to increase security and police presence on our buses and trolleys, that wasn’t just an insult—it was a direct threat to the safety of my union family,” said Petty. “You might get away with that somewhere else, but not here in Philadelphia. We won’t stand for it, and today’s agreement is a testament to that.”

On Saturday, November 16, in response to SEPTA’s refusal to improve security or agree to a pay increase in 2025, the members of Local 1594 voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. This vote, combined with the strategic collaboration between Local 1594 and Transportation Workers Union (TWU) Local 234, was a turning point in the negotiations. Petty and his team were able to resume negotiation alongside the TWU.

“I want to take a moment to thank the leadership of TWU Local 234 and their President, Brian Pollitt,” Petty stated. “We couldn’t have reached this agreement without their tireless effort and solidarity. Together, we fought for the safety and dignity of our members, and today we’re seeing the results of that work.”

Under the terms of the tentative agreement, SEPTA has committed to installing bulletproof glass full enclosures around operators’ workstations on eight buses as part of a pilot project. There is also a commitment to extend these installations to more buses, based on feedback from operators. Additionally, the agreement includes a 5% General Wage Increase (GWI), helping to address the financial needs of SEPTA’s workforce.

“I’m proud of the leadership at Local 1594 for staying strong and staying focused throughout this process,” Petty added. “Our members showed up every day with one goal: to serve the public in Philadelphia while keeping each other and our passengers safe. This was always about our members and their dignity, and today’s victory is because of their courage.”

The agreement also marks a significant milestone for Petty, who, as a newly elected national officer with the SMART-TD Transit Union, is learning to advocate for transit members across the country.

“This process has been a valuable learning experience for me, I want to thank SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson, and VP’s Alvy Hughes and James Sandoval for their assistance on this. These three national officers answered my phone calls every day and supported me through this whole process. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned from them to help all our bus members nationwide,” Petty explained. “We’re happy to have reached this agreement but make no mistake— we are staying on offense. Whether it’s in Philadelphia or from Charlotte, NC to Los Angeles, CA, we are going to keep pushing for the safety and dignity of transit workers.”

SMART-TD Local 1594 and its leadership are grateful for SEPTA’s willingness to continue negotiations until an agreement was reached.

“We’re proud of our members,” Petty concluded. “You’ve proven time and time again that you are committed to the safety of your coworkers and the communities you serve. You are the backbone of this system, and we will continue to fight for your protection and dignity.”

The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by the union membership.