Category: Front Page
Tesla sparks safety showdown with nation’s rail workers
Tesla calls itself a car company, but they’re really in the battery business. They have requested a permit to ship their lithium-ion batteries by rail, a request that neglects important safety and training measures. Read on to learn about SMART-TD's response to this potentially explosive situation.
SMART officers boost advocacy with redesigned New Representatives II class
As industry, politics and economic landscapes shift, SMART representatives are constantly called upon to adapt accordingly, ensuring union members are represented to the best of their abilities. It’s a daunting task — but thanks to the SMART Education Department, local union [...]
Operation Lifesaver campaigns to promote rail safety in 11 states
Operation Lifesaver (OLI) has announced $219,155 in grants to fund rail safety awareness campaigns in 11 states. OLI understands the multifaceted nature of rail safety — with every tragedy averted a railroader is spared from trauma and a family is spared from pain. Read on to learn about their campaigns and to help spread awareness of See Tracks? Think Train!® Week (September 15–21, 2025).
New TD Crew Room Flyers Available
Launched late last year, SMART-TD’s E-3 Committee focuses on outreach to locals and keeping members updated on important news and benefits by using various tools, including new, customizable bulletin board flyers. Read on to learn what spurred the idea for this campaign and why member feedback is critical to the committee’s work.
Colorado bill criminalizing transit assault one step closer to becoming law
With attacks against transit workers showing no signs of slowing down, SMART-TD's safety and legislative directors fight to pass legislation to address this issue in every state. Colorado’s pending new law creates harsher penalties for transit assault, but can it pass before the legislature adjourns? Read on to find out what’s in the bill, who is backing it, and what hurdles remain before it reaches the Governor’s desk.
Honoring the Legacy of Brother John A. Saunders
Our union mourns the loss of Brother John A. Saunders, a longtime union member and first chairman of the Union Pacific Caucus, who passed away on January 28 at the age of 84. Read on to learn more about Brother Saunders’s career on the railroad and how his family legacy lives on.
Kansas funds passenger rail expansion
A coalition of Kansas labor organizations succeeded in creating a dedicated funding mechanism for Amtrak and intercity passenger rail service in the sunflower state. With federal funding for similar projects across the country on the chopping block, our legislative victory demonstrates that progress is still possible. Read on to learn which projects the new Passenger Rail Service Revolving Fund will boost.
SMART’s General President Defends Our Brother
Earlier today, The Situation Room on CNN featured SMART General President Michael Coleman who appeared on their broadcast to discuss SMART apprentice Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s ongoing case and his right to due process.