Category: Legislation
Senate Strikes Down Spending Bill’s Harmful AI Provision
This week, the Senate removed a dangerous provision from its version of the soon-to-be-signed spending bill that would have put the jobs of our bus drivers and operators at risk of being lost to unchecked AI regulations. Read on to learn how this small but significant win motivates us for the larger fight that lies ahead.
Senate Passes Tax Bill Without Including Railroaders
We flooded the Senate with over 4,300 messages in support of a tax break for overtime yesterday. We were ignored. This is a result SMART-TD will not accept.
SMART-TD Calls on U.S. Senate to Support the Cantwell Amendment and Protect Rail Workers
A new amendment introduced by Senator Maria Cantwell would ensure railroaders are included in the proposed overtime tax deduction, correcting a major oversight in the Senate’s current spending bill. A vote is imminent; ask your Senator to support Amendment #2613 NOW. Help keep railroaders from being overtaxed when we are overworked.
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.