Category: Front Page
Michigan sheet metal worker details impact of canceled project
“Semiconductor plant project creates hundreds of jobs for SMART sheet metal workers in Michigan.” That would have — and should have — been the headline about a megaproject in the Flint area, one that looked set to change the lives of entire communities. But all that evaporated when political chaos got in the way. Local 7 member Mike Carpenter explains the impact in a recent interview.
Regional Training Seminars coming to St. Paul, Baltimore in 2026
We are excited to announce the dates for our 2026 Regional Training Seminars! Since 2020, these seminars have provided local officers with critical tools and skills to serve our members effectively. Many 2025 sessions reached capacity, so save the date and read on for registration details. See you in 2026!
SMART leaders train to bargain better contracts in Atlanta
The cohesion and collaboration of a local union’s negotiating committee is crucial for bargaining strong contracts that provide the pay, benefits and living standards that SMART members demand. That was the focus of the Education Department’s newly revised Collective Bargaining class, taught for the second time in 2025 from December 8–12 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Chicago-area SMART members win big with transit funding bill
When a funding cliff threatened the well-being of SMART members and working families in Chicagoland, organized labor stepped up, eventually winning a funding bill that helps provide security and stability moving forward.
Transit Funding Boost Proposed by SMART-TD Backed Bill
The Moving Transit Forward Act reignites interest in helping transit agencies meet operational and security shortfalls. The act taps into a funding mechanism that already provides grants to city transit systems. Read on to learn more about the Act and SMART-TD's support.
California SMART-TD Brother Killed on the Job
Brother Steven “Baby Crowe” Crowe II (Local 1422, Los Angeles, CA) lost his life on the job on Dec. 3, 2025. His family has asked for our help as they mourn their sudden and unthinkable loss. Read on to learn about “Baby Crowe’s” impact on our union and how you can help honor his memory.
Union Mourns the Loss of Brother Charles Harrison
For the second time in two weeks, our union is mourning the loss of one of our own. Brother Charles Harrison (Local 847, Birmingham, Alabama) was killed in an on-duty accident over the weekend. Read on for details.
FRA Issues Grade-Crossing Safety Advisory
The FRA has issued Safety Advisory 2025-02 following several tragic shove-movement accidents, emphasizing the need for railroads to strengthen protections, visibility assessments, and operational practices at passively protected grade crossings. Read on to see how these recommendations call on carriers to improve rules and safeguards, but also to revamp and increase Operational Testing.