“A.J.” Hamburger Jr. will take the stage at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the National Honors Bands Performance Series. A.J. is the son of BNSF conductor and SMART-TD Local 934 (Alliance, Nebraska) Vice Local Chairperson Aaron Hamburger. On February 8, 2026, A.J. will join only 350 students out of more than 10,000 applicants worldwide. Read on to learn more about this accomplishment.
On November 15, Brother Brian McLucas (Local 1190) received a devastating phone call: his house was on fire, and the situation was a total loss. His wife and two young daughters were able to escape safely but now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and their home during the holiday season. Read on to learn how you can help our union brother.
Local 1565 is deeply saddened to announce the tragic loss of Sister Tanya Perry, a beloved Metro bus operator who was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver while on duty in Los Angeles. Read on to see how her union family, community, and loved ones are honoring her memory and seeking justice in the wake of this heartbreaking loss.
Brother Brian Malleck of Local 626 (McCook, Nebraska) lost a leg in a Denver switching yard when the car he was riding derailed. This life-altering injury could have happened to any of us. Consider donating to help Malleck and his family recover from this tragedy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.