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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.

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.