Category: News
Railroader Healthcare Costs Remain Stable While National Averages Soar
While healthcare costs across the nation continue to soar, railroaders covered under the National Freight Rail Agreement will see their 2026 monthly contributions remain virtually unchanged. Read on to see how stable premiums, superior coverage, and decades of smart union negotiations keep SMART-TD members far ahead of national averages in healthcare affordability and protection.
Call to Action in Mass.: Transit Safety Legislation Up for Final Vote
The Massachusetts State Senate is holding an important vote tomorrow (Thursday, November 6, around 11:00 am) to solidify stronger safety protections for transit workers. All available members are asked to attend and show their support. Read on to learn more about the legislation and why this vote is critical.
New Jersey’s “Vote Labor” Push led by SMART-TD’s Ron Sabol
IBEW Local 269’s hall in Trenton, New Jersey, was a hive of activity on Election Day as more than 500 union members, led by SMART-TD's Ron Sabol, worked in shifts to canvass neighborhoods, drive voters to the polls, and make calls to build support for pro-union candidates at every level of government. Read on to learn more about their effort and how you can help build our future.
Stand with Sister Nydia Sandoval on Monday!
After Sister Nydia Sandoval (Local 1785) was brutally attacked on the job on October 19, her assailant is scheduled to make a court appearance Monday morning. SMART-TD is asking our members in the Santa Monica and surrounding areas to attend the hearing in solidarity with our union sister and transit professionals nationwide. Read on to learn how you can show your support.
Union Leadership Meets with New N.S. Trainees in McDonough, Georgia
“You’ve got a career ahead of you and right now, your focus should be on learning how to stay safe doing it. We’ve helped make sure you’ve got jobs for life — now it’s up to you to make sure you’re not cutting that life short,” President Jeremy Ferguson said during an impromptu visit with nearly 100 Norfolk Southern trainees in McDonough, Georgia. Read on to see how the surprise visit from several union executives inspired confidence in the job security and safety improvements delivered by SMART-TD’s “Jobs for Life” agreement.
CSX Asks to keep Safety Reports out of the Crew Rooms, Injuries are Up, Fatalities Continue, and Transparency is Down
CSX was granted a waiver in 2020 on the condition they would ensure easy access to accident and injury reports with their employees. They didn’t. They haven’t. And they had five years to get it right. Now they want another 5-year pass to keep these reports buried in an electronic system that, as every railroader already knows, most crew members cannot easily access while on duty. Read on to see how, with our members’ help, SMART-TD shared the real story about CSX safety culture with the FRA.
Semi Crushes Member in Decatur, Ill.
SMART-TD is asking all members to rally to support Brother Drew Morris, a conductor for Canadian National Railroad out of Local 453 (Clinton, IL), who was critically injured by a semi-truck that tried to race his train. Read on for details and how you can help
Long-time Union Ally Mikie Sherrill Runs for New Jersey Governor
If you work in New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill has earned your consideration in the upcoming election. Her voting record and active labor outreach have helped our union countless times in the past. Read on to see how she shows up for SMART and SMART-TD in Washington, and how this will continue if she is elected to lead in New Jersey.