Category: Member Spotlight
LACMTA Operators Benefit from Year of Safety Wins
After leading groundbreaking Operator safety efforts in 2024, SMART-TD General Committee of Adjustment (GCA) 875 matched and exceed those achievements last year. This comes at a pivotal moment as assaults on transit Operators nationwide continue to increase. Read on to learn how GCA-875 is keeping safety at the forefront of its work.
Sister Robin Smith Shows What Solidarity Really Means
Whether it’s ensuring that new female hires know the ins and outs of their contract or just need a trusted advocate in their corner, Sister Robin Smith puts her members first. As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to learn how she did exactly that at a recent hearing involving a fellow union sister and why she believes that education and knowledge are key to bringing more women into the fold.
A Legacy of Leadership: Sister Sandra Pineda Sets an Example Behind the Wheel and at Home
Over 20 years ago, Sister Sandra Pineda (Local 1563, El Monte, Calif.) began working as a bus operator for LACMTA as a single mother supporting her three daughters. What started out as a job has grown into two decades of service, solidarity, and unwavering support for her brothers and sisters. To kick off Women’s History Month, we are honored to share a reflection on Sister Pineda’s journey within our union written by one of the people who knows her best.
WATCH: Members Step Up to Take Care of Their Own
Faced with a life-altering amputation, Brother David Garringer (Local 1393, Buffalo) felt helpless for nearly two years. Things changed once the SMART Army heard about his situation and did what our union does best: step up and take care of our own. Read on to learn about the SMART Army and watch a video about how our brother benefited from their efforts.
New Documentary Features California Local 1741 Bus Operators
A new documentary features the members of Local 1741 (San Francisco) and their role in an important time period in labor history. “School Bus Movie” explores San Francisco School Bus Operators’ fight for justice in the 1970s. Directed by the son of a retired SMART-TD member, the documentary makes it clear that the struggles and lessons from the past still hold true today. Read on to learn more about the film and its SMART-TD connection.
Members Helped Raise $200K for Brothers and Sisters in Need
SMART-TD members helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for union brothers and sisters in need in 2025. From life-changing accidents to devastating house fires, we stepped up to make sure our brothers and sisters were taken care of. Read on to see our solidarity in action.
Railroader’s Son to Perform at Carnegie Hall
“A.J.” Hamburger Jr. will take the stage at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the National Honors Bands Performance Series. A.J. is the son of BNSF conductor and SMART-TD Local 934 (Alliance, Nebraska) Vice Local Chairperson Aaron Hamburger. On February 8, 2026, A.J. will join only 350 students out of more than 10,000 applicants worldwide. Read on to learn more about this accomplishment.
New Jersey Governor-Elect Sherrill Names SMART-TD’s Ron Sabol to Transition Team
Many public officials like having unions around to better understand the real-world issues affecting working families, but New Jersey Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill wants us around when it’s time to form public policy, too. Sherrill has appointed SMART-TD New Jersey/Delaware Safety and Legislative Director Ron Sabol to her transition team, acknowledging the value of the hands, minds, and experience represented by the men and women who move freight, passengers, and communities safely across New Jersey. Read on to learn more about Sabol's appointment and what it means for all of us.