Category: Front Page
Union Members Head to College Thanks to Tuition Benefit
As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, remember that a flexible and affordable way to reach your higher education goals is on the menu. Launched earlier this year, the Union College Benefit program has become a popular option for SMART-TD union members and their families. Read on to learn how you can enroll today.
New Business Managers class helps local leaders fight for members across North America
During the week of November 17, 2025, new local union leaders gathered in St. Louis, Mo., for the SMART Education Department’s New Business Managers class. The class — extended to five days for 2025 — focused on management of a local union by looking at all its parts and functions: leadership, staff, representation, resources, trust funds, organizing and community relationships.
Rail Trespassing and Suicide Fatalities Up 70%
Trespasser and suicide-related incidents now account for 50 percent of all transit-related fatalities reported in 2024. Between 2016 and 2024, these events have risen sharply, with major incidents up 71 percent, fatalities up 70 percent, and injuries up 65 percent. The Federal Transit Administration has issued new recommendations for transit agencies to confront this crisis, along with resources for railroaders who are forced to contend with the aftermath of these incidents.
SMART relaunches podcast for members with season focused on mental health
SMART has officially relaunched the Talking SMART podcast, newly focused on providing information, resources and stories that are relevant to members and their families. The first-ever season of Talking SMART will focus on mental health, with episodes diving into the concept of mental wellness, what different types of mental illness look like, resources available to members and more.
New Jersey Governor-Elect Sherrill Names SMART-TD’s Ron Sabol to Transition Team
Many public officials like having unions around to better understand the real-world issues affecting working families, but New Jersey Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill wants us around when it’s time to form public policy, too. Sherrill has appointed SMART-TD New Jersey/Delaware Safety and Legislative Director Ron Sabol to her transition team, acknowledging the value of the hands, minds, and experience represented by the men and women who move freight, passengers, and communities safely across New Jersey. Read on to learn more about Sabol's appointment and what it means for all of us.
Help the McLucas Family After Fire Destroys Their Home
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.
PRESS RELEASE: SEPTA Offers “Embarrassing” Contract to SMART-TD Members
For the second year in a row, the members of SMART-TD Local 1594 (Upper Darby, PA) who work for SEPTA are looking at next steps after the problem-plagued transit agency offered a low-ball contract that fails to address the needs of our brothers and sisters while making unnecessary cuts. Read our full press release.
What SMART-TD Members Need to Know as SEPTA Strike Looms For TWU
After the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) Local 234 voted to authorize a strike against SEPTA over the weekend, SMART-TD members who work for the transit agency are waiting to see what comes next and how they will be affected if a strike does, in fact, take place. Read on for the important tips to keep in mind until the issue is resolved.