Category: Front Page
CSX Conductor, Single Mother Devastated in Head-on Collision
A CSX conductor and single mother was seriously injured in a head-on collision while reporting for duty, leaving her facing a long and difficult road to recovery. Read on to see how union solidarity is coming together to support one of our own and how you can help make a difference for her and her daughter.
GP Coleman’s 2025 holiday message to members
"I want to wish you and your families a very happy holiday season. No matter what you celebrate — Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or your own tradition — this is a special time of year. I hope each and every one of you gets the chance to enjoy time with family and friends: observing your family traditions, cherishing the ability to see loved ones, and reflecting on the things we all value as working people."
SOFA Safety Alert
A recent Safety Alert from the Switching Operations Fatality Analysis (SOFA) Working Group warns railroad workers of the persistent and deadly risks in switching operations. Read on to see how the alert reinforces shared responsibility, lessons learned from more than 210 switching-related deaths, and why we all need to recommit to safety practices to ensure everyone makes it home safely.
AJFL Scholarship Application Opens Soon
American Journey Financial Life (AJFL) will award 100 scholarships in 2026. Applications from the children and grandchildren of AJFL policyholders will be accepted between January 15 and March 31, 2026. Read on for eligibility requirements and application details.
SMART-TD Applauds FRA and DOT for Strengthening Cross-Border Rail Safety Protections
Thanks to decisive action at the federal level, the safety of our cross-border freight rail operations is expected to see some significant changes. Read on to learn what this means for the future of rail safety and accountability.
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.