Chairman Pauli Announces Retirement, SMART-TD celebrates his career 

General Chairman Rick Pauli has announced his retirement after 32 years as a railroader. As he steps away, Rick leaves a stronger, more resilient union in his wake. His care and contributions will resonate for years to come. 

Brother Pauli hired onto Amtrak in January 1993 as a Passenger Conductor.  He became Local Chairman of Harrisburg Local 816 in 2009 before becoming General Committee Secretary in 2013. In November of 2018, he moved up to Vice General Chairman before ascending to General Chairman of GO-769 the following February.   

Pauli successfully negotiated several collective bargaining agreements, bringing unprecedented wage increases to his members.  This includes the 2024 Amtrak Agreement that delivered the highest wage increase in Amtrak’s history.  

He has arbitrated hundreds of cases, reinstating several members with full back pay while establishing precedents that protect all our members across a range of claims-related issues. 

 In addition, Pauli helped our members navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and other unprecedented challenges on the railroad. 

Rick’s dedication, leadership, tireless advocacy, and commitment to improving the lives of those he represented have made a lasting impact. He will always be our brother, and we wish him the very best in this next chapter of his life.  

Brother Rick Pauli, we say thank you, for your service to this union and leadership in GO-769.