Category: Transportation
Kansas funds passenger rail expansion
A coalition of Kansas labor organizations succeeded in creating a dedicated funding mechanism for Amtrak and intercity passenger rail service in the sunflower state. With federal funding for similar projects across the country on the chopping block, our legislative victory demonstrates that progress is still possible. Read on to learn which projects the new Passenger Rail Service Revolving Fund will boost.
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.
Union leaders, community supporters to rally Friday, April 4, in support of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia and family
Supporters will rally alongside Abrego Garcia’s union and Maryland immigrant rights activists in Langley Park to support his family and his right to due process.