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What Does $73.16/Hour Actually Mean?

Here is a conservative and fair snapshot of what railroading paid at a Class I railroad in 2024. It doesn’t rely on overtime assumptions or best-case scenarios. It is just complete, verifiable data. So when you're at the bar and hear the longshoremen bragging about the $65/per hour they are going to make in 2030, just know that you were pulling in $73.16 two years ago and have had two raises since.

New Jersey Leads with Rail Safey Law

As one of his last official acts before leaving office, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the recently passed railroad safety bill into law. SMART-TD celebrates the victories achieved in this legislation and Governor Murphy's support for working families throughout his tenure. Read on for details.

“The Safety Program That Works — And Why Railroads Won’t Use It”

The constant drive to climb the ladder (and to avoid being fired) felt by railroad managers almost always translates into scare tactics that keep workers silent and the big bosses oblivious to reality. The FRA had a solution. Read on to learn why it was scrapped, and how things are probably going to get much worse before they get any better.

Jobs Still Protected After Merger Delay

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) finds errors with the proposed merger application between the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Read on for details about the decision and what this means for our members.

Recommit to the Work Ahead this MLK Day

While much of the country enjoys a day off, SMART-TD members are doing what we’ve always done: showing up, standing together, and continuing the work. Join us in recommitting, today and every day, to the unending pursuit of justice, solidarity, and dignity for us all. Read on to learn how MLK’s legacy endures in these common goals.

Federal Protection for Train Crews Promised by Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act

As transit workers across the country continue facing the near-daily threat of assaults on the job, a new bipartisan bill endorsed by SMART-TD would make the assault of passenger rail workers a federal crime. Read on to learn more about the bill, including why this is only the first step in protecting all members of our union.

New Rail Safety Bill Addresses East Palestine “Vent and Burn” Failures 

As the third anniversary of the East Palestine, Ohio derailment approaches, SMART-TD has endorsed the Under Pressure Act. Introduced Jan. 15, 2026, the bipartisan bill is an important step in safely responding to tank cars involved in a derailment. Read on to learn why this is important for us all.

Philadelphia Bus Operator Reinstated by Arbitration Victory

Brother Rasool Aleem is back to work with full back pay after a wrongful dismissal. SMART-TD won in arbitration by knowing the contract and refusing to be intimidated by the other side. Read on to learn more about Aleem’s decisive victory in Philadelphia.