Our multi-year effort to protect our bus and transit membership takes a significant step ahead when FTA announces its first directive to stop operator assaults.
Nathan Hatton learned de-escalation techniques at SMART-TD's 2024 National Training Seminar in July. A month later, he was confronted with a situation which, improperly handled, could have been catastrophic.
“This new law represents a new day in Arizona. If you put your hands on a SMART-TD member or any transit professional, you’re going to have to face real consequences.”
—SMART-TD Transit Union’s Arizona Safety and Legislative Director Scott Jones
FRA nixed an attempt by two Class I carriers and three passenger carriers to be able to shut down critical safety tech for as long as three days. The SMART-TD railroad union’s public comment was a big reason why.
General chairpersons who handle SMART-TD’s Amtrak properties announce that they’ve negotiated improvements in the latest tentative agreement, including substantial wage increases and back pay. The contract will be placed before members for consideration in the very near future.
Yet another attack on one of our members, this time aboard SEPTA, is reason why the union is rolling out an assault reporting tool for SMART bus/transit union members.
The closing session of SMART-TD's 2024 National Training Seminar outlined the impact our members have made, from Washington D.C. to their local properties. The Federal Transportation Administration warned transit union members against becoming complacent: get involved, communicate, and to join the fight for safer bus and passenger rail for everyone.
Our transit safety committee and TD legislative leaders took to the U.S. Capitol to share the increasing risks bus and transit operators face every day.
Effective July 1, 2024, the monthly DIPP assessment for participants will be reduced from 50 to 32 cents per $1 of daily benefit coverage. This reduction and a 90% + approval on all new claims make SMART DIPP the premier option for discipline income protection in the industry.