Category: Legislation
Yardmaster Protection Act Introduced
The Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2025 has been officially introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. If passed and signed into law, Yardmasters would enjoy the same maximum of 12 hours of service as the T&E crews. Read on to learn more about the Act, why it is important, and who is supporting it in the legislature.
Members drive legislative action in New England
In just one year, SMART-TD members in New England have driven a remarkable increase in the power of our union's Political Action Committee (PAC). Read on to find out how many members have gotten involved and how that translates into tangible legislative results.
Representative Paul Evans Sells Out Oregon Railroaders
Last month, Oregon Democratic State Representative Paul Evans torpedoed Oregon’s two-person crew (2-PC) legislation. Read on to learn about the severity of his mistake and what we’re going to do next.
New Bills Pass Thanks to Teamwork and Communication
New laws in Arkansas and an upcoming bill in Wisconsin are the result of SMART-TD’s network of Safety and Legislative Directors, who help each other draft then pass laws that protect union members from coast to coast. Read on to learn how our creativity and collaboration continue to impact State Capitols across the country.
SMART-TD Calls for Legislative Action After Firearm Incident Involving Keolis Crew Member
After a Keolis conductor was assaulted on the job last week, the need to pass transit safety legislation in Massachusetts is more urgent than ever. Current law only protects employees working for public transit authorities but doesn't include their counterparts who work for private companies. Read on to learn what happened and how SMART-TD leaders are reviving the call to pass this vital safety legislation.
Championing Rail and Transit Safety from Coast to Coast
From coast to coast, SMART-TD has racked up an impressive number of safety-centered state legislative wins. Our momentum is a direct result of our members’ tireless advocacy and our army of safety and legislative directors’ commitment to looking out for our collective best interests. Read on to find out which states have new laws on the books and what it took to make them a reality.
Railroad Safety Day on the Hill 2025
This week, SMART-TD led a record-breaking Railroad Day on the Hill, uniting 13 rail unions for over 130 meetings with lawmakers to advocate for rail safety and workers’ rights. Read on to see why this TD-led event is hailed for its strategic coordination and real-world impact.
Victory in Colorado: SMART-TD Secures Permanent Funding for the Office of Railroad Safety
Colorado’s SMART-TD members have successfully secured permanent funding for the Colorado Office of Railroad Safety through the passage of State Bill SB25-162, marking a major victory after over two years of union-led organizing and advocacy. Read on to see how this bill spearheaded by State Legislative Director Carl Smith, ensures that rail carriers (not workers) will fund the office, which will collect critical safety data to drive reforms both in Colorado and nationwide.