Leaders Recommit to the Fight Ahead on the Last Day of SMART Leadership Conference

Wrapping up a powerful three days of education, collaboration, and solidarity, the 2025 SMART Annual Leadership Conference concluded with leaders from the Sheet Metal and Transportation Divisions pledging to keep fighting for what truly matters: our members.

STB Chairman Patrick Fuchs Welcomes Labor’s Input on UP/NS Merger

Speaking to the full General Session and holding a separate question-and-answer session with Transportation Division General Chairpersons and State Legislative Directors, Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs provided an overview on his role and the structure of the STB, his goals as chair, and the focus on accountability and transparency to the public and to the various bodies that the board serves.

“As chairman, my number one priority thus far has been to increase transparency at the board,” said Chairman Fuchs. “I know we need to do better. I’m working every day at just that.”

The biggest talking point for officers in the room was the recently announced Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, the news of which was not shared with SMART-TD in advance.

Chairman Fuchs wasn’t able discuss his personal views on the merger or answer specific questions, but he did speak about the process and share as much information as rules and statutes allow him to.

Even though there were limits on what Chairman Fuchs could tell us, he made it clear there were no limits on what information he wanted from your representatives.

“We need your perspective. We count on your perspective. We’re listening.”

“As long as I’m chairman, labor will always have a seat at the table. We need your perspective.” 

SMART-TD’s Amanda Snide Named Member of the Year 

Sister Amanda Snide (Local 200, North Platte), an 11-year union member, received the Joseph J. Nigro SMART Army Member of the Year Award for the Transportation Division.

This award is given each year in recognition of the winners’ solidarity and dedication to their union, their SMART brothers and sisters, and their communities.

Growing up in a union family, Sister Snide had a general sense of what it meant to be a member but her appreciation grew even deeper after becoming one herself.

“I had no idea how much it could affect me as a member,” explained Sister Snide to the assembled leaders. “Our union has both given to us and provided ways for us to give back.” 
 
Working in healthcare before making the transition to the railroad, Sister Snide was worried that she wouldn’t be able to answer her calling to help people anymore.

Serving as a Local Chairperson, Local Safety and Legislative Representative, and the current Assistant Safety and Legislative Director for the State of Nebraska has allowed her to do exactly that.

She also works as a Switchman and Yard Foreman in North Platte, Nebraska and is a volunteer firefighter.

“Although my two professions may differ in some respects, both are united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of others,” said Sister Snide. “We refer to one another as family because we rely on mutual support—whether navigating through an investigation or confronting emergencies such as fires.”

Having just completed her first investigation as a member of the National Safety Team, she has earned a reputation throughout our union for her loyalty to her members and all railroaders.

“Our collective strength is founded on knowing that our brothers and sisters stand ready to assist whenever needed. Thank you for being the kind of leaders our members need.” 

Laying the Groundwork for Future Success 

Transportation Division leaders wrapped up the conference with additional workshops from the organizing department and the E-3 (empowerment, education, and engagement) Committee focused on how we can continue to grow and retain our membership by keeping them engaged and informed with what’s happening in the Union.

This week’s Leadership Conference underscored what is already a hallmark of the SMART-TD union: our members are at the heart of everything we do.

Whether it’s on the rails or on the road, the skills and knowledge gained this week will be used to keep fighting for what matters…our members.