Category: Leadership Messages
STB chair to Class Is: You have cut the workforce too deep
On May 27, the chair of the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) Martin J. Oberman reached out to all Class I CEOs asking them whether the carriers are prepared to reverse the workforce cuts they have made in anticipation of handling an economic rebound as the coronavir [...]
First 100 days a victory
We have long heard the phrase, “Elections have consequences.” This past election reflects the concrete truth behind the power of your vote and how it can be used as a force for positive change.Nowhere is it more apparent for many members than in the gains made for working fam [...]
Now is the time to build back union
The Biden-Harris Administration’s new infrastructure proposal may be the most significant investment in new American jobs since FDR’s New Deal in the 1930s. The nation’s infrastructure has been left in shambles for far too long due to years of gridlock in Washington, D.C. Wit [...]
Time to rise to the challenge
As we turn from enduring a difficult winter and the challenges of a pandemic that has tested our resilience and our country for more than a year, our organization has continued to press ahead to better serve you. The core purpose of SMART-TD is to aggressively and vigorously [...]
Nevada gov. honors railroaders with proclamation
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak has issued a proclamation praising America’s railroaders, declaring Wednesday, April 28, 2021, as “A Day In Honor of Railroad Workers.” A portion of the proclamation reads: “The safe and efficient movement of the trains transporting… freight an [...]
Video: The Benefits of American Rescue Plan for SMART Members
In this month’s video address from SMART General President Joseph Sellers, he looks at the recent passage of the American Rescue Plan. The plan does more than provide direct cash relief through payments to working Americans and resources for COVID-19 vaccination efforts [...]
VICE article explains the dangers of PSR
Members and leaders of the SMART Transportation Division as well as the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department, spelled out why U.S. freight railroads’ obsession with Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) increases the danger to the public and railroad workers alike. Journa [...]
VSTD waiver of elimination period extended through June 2021
Dear Member: As many of you may recall, the SMART Voluntary Short Term Disability Plan temporarily suspended the Elimination Period for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) disabilities. In an announcement to you dated April 15, 2020, we communicated that the Elimination Period was being w [...]