Trenton, NJ — In today’s political climate, where divisions often run deep, SMART-TD remains steadfast in its commitment to being a nonpartisan union. We judge leaders not by their political party, but by their votes, their ideas, their character, and their actions that impact transportation workers and the labor movement as a whole.
By every possible measure, Congresswoman and Gubernatorial Candidate Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey stands as the very definition of being with us.
Let us be clear: this is not a statement made against her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli. However, when it comes to identifying those who have consistently shown up for our members, who understand our issues, and who have earned our trust through action, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill sets the standard.
A Record That Speaks for Itself
Mikie Sherrill’s record proves it:
- She has voted 100% of the time in favor of two-person freight crews (2-PC) in every opportunity she’s had in Congress.
- In 2022, she voted to guarantee paid sick leave for every railroader across the country.
- She’s been a driving voice in protecting bus and rail workers from assaults, pushing for stronger safety standards and real accountability.
- She is a champion for safe staffing levels on passenger and commuter rail systems.
- In her career as a public servant, she has maintained a 100% pro-labor voting record as recorded by the AFL-CIO.
That’s what it looks like when someone is truly with SMART-TD.
She’s Not Just “With Us.” She’s One of Us
Mikie Sherrill has been there for SMART-TD members in every way that matters.
In Washington, her office door is always open to transportation unions, but she takes it further. When a transportation vote is coming before Congress, whether it’s freight rail, passenger rail, commuter service, or bus, Mikie Sherrill doesn’t wait for SMART-TD to call her. She reaches out to SMART-TD’s New Jersey State Safety and Legislative Director, Ron Sabol first to ask questions, gather insight, and understand the real-world impact of the laws she’s voting on. She doesn’t do it for votes or donations. She does it because she genuinely wants to understand how her decisions affect rail and bus workers and their families.
That’s not politics. That’s partnership.
A True Ally, Not a Photo Opportunist
Beyond votes and headlines, Mikie Sherrill’s actions speak volumes. When SMART-TD launched our Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) committee, we invited members of Congress to meet with us during our first Bus and Transit Safety Day on the Hill. Mikie Sherrill took the time out of her busy schedule to meet with our representatives in person, rather with her staff.
When SMART-TD held its annual leadership meeting in August of this year, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill didn’t just send her remarks: she showed up in person to speak directly to our General Chairpersons, Safety and Legislative Directors, officers, and members from across the country. Her message was simple but powerful: “You have a partner and an ally in D.C.”
She backed those words up again during Railroad Day on the Hill in 2024, when SMART-TD met with over 130 members of Congress. After a long day of meetings, when our union leaders gathered privately at our office to strategize next steps. Mikie Sherrill was the only member of Congress who came without cameras or press, to offer her insight and support.
No spotlight. No agenda. Just genuine dedication to helping SMART-TD succeed.
A Vision for the Future of New Jersey and Beyond
In her remarks to SMART-TD members at our leadership meeting, Mikie Sherrill made her priorities crystal clear: she is fighting to expand and strengthen New Jersey’s rail and bus infrastructure from North Jersey to South Jersey and to get the Gateway Tunnel Project completed.
Her goal? To create more good-paying UNION TRANSPORTATION JOBS, grow opportunities for working families, and make New Jersey the best state in America for workers like ours to raise their families.
She told our members directly that “Labor and SMART will always have a seat at my table.”
These words are backed up by her votes, phone calls, her time, advocacy, and with her respect for the men and women who keep this nation moving.
The Benchmark for Being “With Us”
Mikie Sherrill has proven time and again that she’s not just with us when it’s convenient. She’s with us when it counts: when the votes are cast, when the policies are shaped, and when the hard work of protecting workers begins.
Congresswoman and Candidate for Governor Mikie Sherrill is the real deal. She is a true friend of SMART-TD, of labor, and of every transportation worker who gets up each day to keep America moving.
SMART-TD proudly stands with Mikie Sherrill, because she has never hesitated to stand with us.
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