Maryland Passes Monumental Transit Safety Bill

A Maryland bill designed to protect bus and passenger rail workers from violent assaults has officially passed both chambers of the state legislature and is now headed to the governor’s desk for signature. HB-1144 passed unanimously because of powerful union member testimonies, cross-union collaboration and the strategic coordination by Maryland’s new Safety & Legislative Director David Pendleton. Read on to learn more about Pendleton’s first legislative win and the benefits headed to our Maryland members.

Brother Wirth Crowned Champion in 168-Pound Masters Division Victory

Known for his fierce advocacy on the job, Andrew Wirth brought his determination into the ring. Wirth, the Chairperson of Local 1760, claimed the 168-pound Masters Amateur Division Title Saturday by defeating reigning champion Michael Pinto at Cleveland’s LaSalle Theatre.

Chairman Pauli Announces Retirement, SMART-TD celebrates his career 

General Chairman Rick Pauli announced his retirement after a 32-year career with the railroad. His care and contributions, including the largest-ever Amtrak wage increase and innumerable claims-related precedents, will benefit the union for years to come. He will always be our brother, and we wish him the very best in this next chapter of his life.

New Mexico Local 1687 sets new precedent with Red Apple Transit 

Local 1687 bus Operators at Red Apple Transit in Farmington, NM have unanimously ratified a four-year agreement securing a 22.13% wage increase and major quality-of-life improvements, including expanded sick leave, more paid holidays, and a flexible bereavement policy. This landmark deal not only addresses employee retention issues but also sets new precedents that could influence transit union negotiations nationwide.

Tentative Agreement Reached With TransitAmerica Services (TASI)

SMART-TD GO-769 General Chairperson Rick Pauli is pleased to announce that his General Committee has reached a tentative agreement (TA) on April 1, 2025, with the TransitAmerica Services, Inc. (TASI) Conductors and Assistant Conductors for its over 150 members in Northern California.

Make sure your voice is heard, update your contact information

Every SMART-TD member’s voice is important – make sure yours is heard when it matters most! Please verify your current contact information. With 2025 national negotiations underway, and many on property agreements also needing ratification, this is the time to make sure your vote gets counted. Read on to choose one of three easy ways to make sure your voice is heard.

New CSX conductor improvises to save a life

Brother Juan Carrillo has only been a SMART-TD member for four months, and he’s already saved a man’s life during that time. Read on to hear his memories of what happened, why he credits his military training for ensuring that a horrible accident didn’t quickly turn deadly, and how this situation highlights the importance of two-person crews.

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).