Heroic Act on the Rails: SMART-TD Brother Burned while Saving Crewmate

SMART-TD member John Hedgepeth suffered third-degree burns and broken ribs while saving his engineer’s life during a Norfolk Southern derailment in Indiana. Now Hedgepeth, a U.S. Marine veteran, needs our help. If you can, please pitch in to support Brother Hedgepeth and his family by contributing to the fundraiser organized by Local 490.

Help Amtrak Conductor, Local 166 Member Get Back to Work

Brother Alfred Stinnett (Local 166, Salt Lake City) has been unable to work since January after tearing his shoulder and undergoing two surgeries. Read on to learn how you can help as he continues his physical therapy to get back on the job.

Union officers go the extra mile, but Brian McWilliams literally went 65 of them!

Gary Railway General Chairperson Brian McWilliams of Local 1383 exemplified grit and dedication by running 65 miles in 24-plus hours to raise over $3,700 for Portage High School’s athletic and music programs. Read on to see how his extraordinary feat highlights the values of perseverance, community support, and unwavering commitment that define the SMART-TD spirit.

SMART-TD Stands With Brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia 

The SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) expresses strong support for Brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a SMART union apprentice who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite legal protections and is now imprisoned in dangerous conditions. We are asking SMART-TD members and the public to support Kilmar and his family through donations and by raising awareness to demand his return.

Local #823 member killed in on-duty collision

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of SMART-TD member and Union Pacific Conductor Phillip Araujo. As recently reported, he and his engineer, Clay Burt, lost their lives when their train collided with a tractor-trailer in Pecos City, Texas. Brother Ryan Monts of BLET Division 212 has started a GoFundMe account to support the families of Araujo and Brother Burt.

Fundraiser Started for Longtime SMART Member Facing Mounting Medical & Travel Expenses 

After doctors discovered a large tumor on Brother Jonathon “Ray” Pierce’s spine in July, he is preparing to travel to Houston to receive a second opinion and specialized care. To assist with mounting medical and travel expenses, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help ease the family’s financial burden. Please consider helping this longtime SMART member by contributing if you are able to do so.

Urgent Appeal for SMART-TD Brother Nii Nunoo and Family

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, Br [...]