Category: News
Driverless Vehicles Raise Serious Concerns
The influx of recent headlines makes it clear: when it comes to autonomous vehicles, safety usually takes a back seat. This poses a danger to both our rail and bus members. Read on to learn how one incident in Texas reignited these concerns and why new technology must support safety and workers.
Merger Delay Does NOT Impact Jobs for Life Agreement
In September of 2025, SMART-TD announced a groundbreaking Jobs for Life agreement that protects our members from furloughs or downsizing after the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Six months and a brief delay in the merger process later, these safeguards are still worth fighting for. Read on to learn what happens next in the process and how SMART-TD is continuing to advocate for long-term job security for our brothers and sisters.
Sens Josh Hawley and Tammy Baldwin Prove Again Why SMART-TD Endorsed
A bipartisan rail safety push is gaining momentum from Senators Josh Hawley and Tammy Baldwin after the introduction of the Secure Tracks Act. Read on to learn how this bill aims to ensure automation is a tool for railroaders but not a replacement!
Persistence and Creativity Secure Train Crew Privacy Protections in Indiana
Indiana railroad workers who are involved in fatal grade crossing accidents will now have their names and private information redacted from public view, thanks to a recently passed piece of legislation awaiting the governor’s signature. Read on to learn why its journey to become law took some creative thinking and the knowledge of a two-person lobbying “crew.”
Notches Change, The Reverser DOESN’T
Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad sought concessions from SMART-TD Local 204, but members held firm and secured a unanimous agreement that preserves base earnings while increasing effective hourly pay and improving overtime opportunities. Read on to see how creative bargaining delivered stronger protections when working across affiliated railroads, and several quality-of-life improvements for our Local 204 brothers.
New Railroad Safety Enhancement Act Builds Momentum
Bipartisan rail safety bills are advancing in both chambers of Congress as the House’s Railroad Safety Enhancement Act builds on the Senate bill locking 2-PC requirements, and many more safeguards for railroaders into federal law. Read on to see how momentum for rail safety could translate into long-sought federal protections, and why your support will be what gets it across the finish line.
Real Consequences for Virtual Reality
Railroads are asking the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to let them swap video games for required hands-on training. Read on to see how this push to lower safety standards shifts liability onto workers and why our union is urging the FRA to reject the petitions and keep REAL training in place.
Safety Starts With Us
Rail Carriers and Transit Agencies have shifted injury and safety hazard reporting out of crew rooms and into less accessible digital systems. Read on to see how SMART-TD aims to restore real-time hazard awareness and empower members and local officers to protect one another on the job.