Category: Public Statement
STATEMENT: SMART-TD Condemns Unprecedented Removal of STB Member Robert Primus
Removing Surface Transportation Board (STB) Member Robert Primus from his position is not only unjust but an assault on the independence of federal oversight that is a staple of our democratic institutions. Read SMART-TD's full statement.
Statement from SMART-TD on the Proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Merger
This morning, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern confirmed a proposed merger. Read on for SMART-TD's full statement on what this means for rail workers, safety, and the overall well-being of the freight rail industry.
SMART News: Protecting Railroad Retirees’ Future
SMART News sits down with Greg Hynes, SMART-TD’s national director of the safety and legislative department, and Phil Qualy, retired Minnesota safety and legislative director to discuss the critical implications of proposed cuts within the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).
DOGE to close seven RRB Regional Offices
SMART TD is addressing the closure of seven Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Regional Offices, as announced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which plans to cancel their leases. The RRB has requested an exemption to keep these offices open, and SMART-TD is actively working with lawmakers to highlight the importance of these services.
SMART statement on reintroduction of PRO Act
“Year after year, we hear about the tens of thousands of workers who want to organize for the pay, job security and safety protections they deserve — but were unable to do so because of our nation’s broken labor law. The PRO Act is the common sense, bipartisan legislation we need to fix our damaged system and empower American workers, from sheet metal shops to railyards, on buses and freight locomotives, in classrooms, hospitals and beyond."
General President Coleman’s statement on firings of NLRB General Counsel Abruzzo and member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, news broke that President Donald Trump fired National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox. SMART General President Michael Coleman issued the following statement in response: “From day one, General Counsel Jennif [...]
Longtime ally of union workers elected minority leader of Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Material Subcommittee
The SMART Transportation Division (SMART TD) congratulates Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nevada) on her selection to serve as the Ranking Minority Leader of the House Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee.
Tragic Collision in Pecos, Texas Claims Two Lives
A collision between a Union Pacific train and a tractor-trailer in Pecos, Texas, on December 18 resulted in the deaths of two railroad workers. SMART-TD extends condolences to the victims' families and to Local 823 in their time of grieving.