Conductor Nathan Hatton arrived at work on August 9th ready for an ordinary shift. The twice-daily Amtrak run between Pontiac and Battle Creek, Michigan, is usually busy, but calm. Hatton and Dallas Jeffs, his assistant conductor, greeted passengers as they boarded.
One passenger, ticketed for the three-hour trip to Battle Creek, caught Hatton’s attention.
“This passenger was traveling a long distance, and yet he only had one small suitcase. When I greeted him, he was nonresponsive and avoided eye contact.” Hatton explained. The passenger was also wearing camouflage and knee pads.
LESSON 1: KNOW THE PATTERN AND WATCH FOR ANOMALIES
Conductors Nathan Hatton and Dallas Jeffs collaborated to stop a potentially dangerous situation aboard an Amtrak train.
As the local chairperson for LCA-769A, Hatton attended SMART-TD’s 2024 National Training Seminar in July. His training included a session on de-escalation techniques for transit workers. Such training is part of the union’s ongoing effort to confront the rising epidemic of violent assaults involving bus and passenger rail workers across the United States.
“In the training we were taught to watch for things that stuck out to us as not normal. He was checking a lot of the boxes on the list. Things our instructor, John Bostain, told us to be aware of and not to blow off,” Hatton said.
Bostain, an instructor for Command Presence Training, modeled his course on techniques used by the U.S. Marine Corps to anticipate and, if possible, defuse tragic events.
“When anomalies start to pile up, it’s an indication something is potentially wrong,” Bostain taught. “That’s when the transit worker must decide what to do to protect the safety of themselves and their passengers.”
Hatton quietly shared his observations with Jeffs, and they agreed to keep an eye on their unusual passenger.
LESSON 2: WATCH FOR SIGNS OF A PERSON IS IN CRISIS
Early in the journey, the passenger stood from his seat near the front of the car, removed his case, and moved it to an easily accessible luggage rack behind all the other passengers. He returned to his seat for a time, then moved to the cafe car. Hatton observed as the man ordered three shots of gin.
“The single most important technique for dealing with people in crisis is not escalating,” Bostain wrote. It is easy to accidentally make a situation more intense through confrontation, when a tense situation calls for a delicate touch.
While the passenger was occupied in the bar, the conductors decided it was time to see what was in that case. Hatton kept watch while Jeffs opened the case and discovered multiple loaded firearms. Amtrak police were contacted and discreetly boarded the train in Jackson, an hour out from Battle Creek. Jeffs moved the case to a vestibule, out of sight of other passengers, where the officer could discreetly inspect it.
LESSON 3: STAY CALM, CREATE SPACE AND GET BACKUP
With 15 minutes left in the journey, the Amtrak police proceeded cautiously. By this time the passenger seemed intoxicated, and he may have been armed. While they kept watch, Hatton also contacted the Battle Creek Police Department. The man was detained as he stepped off the train.
REMEMBER YOUR TRAINING
While there is no way for Hatton and Jeffs to know the plan or intentions of the man, his behavior was erratic and, improperly handled, had the potential of being catastrophic.
By staying calm and working strategically, brothers Jeffs and Hatton may have saved their own lives, as well as several others.
Local 496 in Portsmouth, Ohio, has established an online fundraiser for the family of Joshua Bates, who died unexpectedly Sept. 5 from a heart attack while on the job.
Brother Bates was a conductor for Norfolk Southern and joined the union in May 2023.
“Joshua was not only a dedicated railroad brother but also a loving husband to Marie and a devoted father to their three beautiful children,” said Local 496 Secretary and Treasurer Benjamin Etterling. “His sudden passing is a tragedy that no family should endure, and it is during these dark times that we need to rally together.”
“The funds raised through this campaign will go directly to his family, assisting them with immediate expenses and ensuring they have the resources they need to navigate the challenging days ahead,” Etterling said. “Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant impact and provide much-needed comfort to Marie and the children.”
The SMART Transportation Division offers its sincere condolences to Brother Bates’ family, friends, his Local 496 brothers and sisters and all who knew him in this difficult time of loss.
For many Americans, Labor Day signifies the end of another summer, the start of school or just another welcomed day off from work.
For those of us involved in organized labor, it means so much more.
However, and whenever you are able to celebrate, I ask that you take time this Labor Day to educate those around you of how this country’s labor movement has impacted the working conditions for EVERYONE in this nation.
SMART-TD members participate in a Labor Day march in Ohio in 2023.
What this holiday is emblematic of is the celebration of the core values of SMART-TD and all Americans who built and are part of this country’s blue-collar middle class.
The contributions of the labor community keep that dream alive in this country today. The holiday’s a chance to reflect on the achievements of our predecessors. Their efforts provided the pathway to establishing lives today where the work you are willing to do ideally reflects your quality of life.
With that in mind, we ask that you and your family recognize that the fight is never over and that by intensifying your support for those engaged in labor fights, we can continue to extend that path here in the present.
This holiday weekend, I ask that we commit as union brothers and sisters to do two things:
First, we should reflect on these men and women who fought before and are fighting now. It strengthens this union and all of labor when we take the time to learn about labor history. Perspective is a powerful tool. The collective power of union solidarity is as important to our lives today as it was to workers in the 1800s. The stands we make against management’s greed are the same fights that have gone on for hundreds of years.
Second, this weekend is an opportunity for all of us engaged in the struggle to participate. We can take inventory of whether our commitment to our union is proportionate to what those who laid the groundwork before us have done. Child labor laws, minimum wages, the sanctity of health care being part of the compensation for our labor WERE NOT GIVEN TO US. They were fought for because we in labor took a stand.
The past four years have been among the most productive in the history of this country’s labor movement. Gains made by rail labor and also in the quality of life for working-class Americans across the country will be seen as key points in this era in American labor history.
Our movement’s recent progress was in no small part due to the actions taken by labor. It also was facilitated by people in power who value our viewpoint. Labor overall has benefited from a federal government that views laborers as experts in their respective fields, rather than CEOs and managers who dictate from on high, draw the largest paychecks and blatantly ignore the fact that labor contributes to their profits.
As we approach November, it is imperative that we factor this into our process of determining whom we should support. Do we want to face a resurgence of class warfare that threatens to erase historic gains and protections the labor movement has earned? Or do we want to see our progress be preserved and continue?
The world we live in provides many challenges to all in labor. We need every one of our proud members to be engaged to better the lives of all.
Let us keep the trails that were blazed by our predecessors clear, open, and accessible to all and make our own.
Michael Anderson, 78, a retired California state legislative director and longtime assistant state legislative director from Local 1570 (Roseville, Calif.), passed away Aug. 8, 2024.
Michael Anderson retired after a stint as California state legislative director in 2020.
Brother Anderson, a second-generation railroader, began his rail career as a switchman at Southern Pacific’s Roseville Yard in June 1964 and initially was a member of the Switchmen’s Union of North America (SUNA), which merged into the United Transportation Union in 1969.
Brother Anderson started as a legislative rep for his SUNA local, then for his UTU/SMART-TD Local 1570. He was assistant state legislative director for 27 years beginning in 1991 before serving as SLD for a few months in 2019/2020.
He also served on the TD’s Executive Board from 2008 to the group’s dissolution in 2019 at the Second SMART Transportation Division Convention.
“Mike was always helpful and always had a kind greeting for everybody,” wrote colleague Bruce Holder, who worked with Anderson on safety matters. “In those old SP days, the railroad had an injury report called the 2611. Mike came up with an unsafe condition report he labeled the 2610. His point was that if the railroad didn’t address the 2610 report, a 2611 injury report would soon follow.
“You were one of a kind Michael. And one of the best. We owe you for leading the way for many years.”
The SMART Transportation Division extends its condolences to Brother Anderson’s family, friends and his brothers and sisters at Local 1570.
Open enrollment for the SMART-TD Voluntary Group Life (VLIFE) insurance and Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) insurance plans for members ends Aug. 23, 2024.
This will be the last opportunity this year to get coverage.
Here are some available coverage highlights:
VLTD
Protects members’ income if they cannot work due to injury, illness or surgery.
Tax-free benefits — no medical exams/questions required to enroll.
Up to $5,000 of monthly benefits for up to five years.
Benefits start paying after the SMART VSTD stops — 238 days for rail members and 365 days for bus members.
VLIFE
Members can elect up to $250,000 with no medical exams/questions required.
Benefits double in the event of an accidental death.
24-7 on and off the job protection.
This opportunity is currently open only to members who are not participating in the SMART-TD VLTD or VLIFE.
Maryland State Legislative Director Larry Kasecamp turned it up to 11 when he attended the SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas.
The event, held at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas from Aug. 11-16, was the 11th convention Kasecamp has attended.
He’s the TD’s longest-serving state legislative director, having represented our members in the state of Maryland for 34 years. Kasecamp has held every elected position in Local 600 (Cumberland, Md.) since hiring on at B&O in 1977.
2024 showed him something he’d never seen before.
“My first convention was in 1983 at the Fountainebleau — that one was three weeks long,” Kasecamp remembered. His favorite convention was in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1991. He was also there when Fred Hardin defeated Tom DuBose by a slim margin in 1987.
But there was no such drama at the 2024 TD Convention or SMART General Convention.
“In all the conventions I’ve attended. I’ve never seen the delegate body in such full support of the leadership,” Kasecamp said. “It’s unprecedented — I’ve never seen it in my entire time where everyone was elected by acclamation.
“There have been a lot of close elections and a lot of division [in the past]. I think the leadership team we have right now is probably the best we’ve had. At least as far as the support they have.”
One other thing the conventions and regional meetings offer is not just a chance to bond with his union family, but it also gives a chance for his family, including his wife and five children, to vacation together.
“I always put family first and brought them to conventions and regional meetings,” he said. “We made it a family event, so they’d see the importance of labor.”
On Aug. 12, delegates at the Third SMART General Convention voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president in the upcoming 2024 election following President Joe Biden’s announcement on July 21 that he would end his re-election campaign.
This significant endorsement reflects the voice of SMART-TD’s members, who have long fought for the safety and well-being of our freight rail workers.
SMART-TD extends its heartfelt thanks to President Biden for his dedicated service and commitment to the labor movement. Under his watch, we made significant advancements in protecting our bus, transit and railroad members. The doors of his administration were always open when we needed to speak with the Department of Transportation, FRA, FTA, NTSB or STB, or others.
We are eager to support Vice President Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in continuing the vital work that has marked the Biden-Harris administration’s tenure.
Advocating for two-person crews
Four years ago, during a global pandemic that tested our resilience, SMART-TD members united to support Biden and Harris, driven by their promise to uphold workers’ rights and enhance safety measures across the board.
Two-person crews are not just a policy choice but a critical safety measure that impacts the well-being of every freight rail worker. The presence of two qualified individuals in the cab of a freight train helps prevent accidents, ensures immediate response to emergencies, and supports overall operational safety. It is an essential step towards protecting our members and reinforcing the safety standards within the industry.
Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz have consistently demonstrated their support for the labor movement. Harris, with her leadership in the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing, and Walz, with his pro-labor legislation as governor — he is the first and only governor to have signed legislation covering yardmaster hours of service — are both strong allies in our continued fight for workers’ rights and safety.
Their commitment to the labor movement and their track record of advancing worker-friendly policies make them the best choice to lead our nation forward.
We extend our deepest gratitude to President Biden for his unwavering support and look forward to working with Vice President Kamala Harris to continue advancing the interests of our members and all working families across the country.
A former president and one of the world’s richest billionaires sat down for an online chat, broadcast on the billionaire’s X social media platform yesterday. Donald Trump and Elon Musk said exactly what they thought about the people who do their work.
Listen for yourself:
Trump expressed his profound admiration toward Musk, who emulates Trump’s trademark “You’re fired” reality act from “The Apprentice” in real life. The two discussed casually devastating people’s careers and families’ incomes, then laughed about it.
Is Trump with us or against us? Every voter will have to make up their own mind, but as a union fighting every day for better working conditions, we hope America’s workers agree to tell him “You’re still fired” on Nov. 5.
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg had a specific message for SMART when he spoke at our organization’s third General Convention.
“Union jobs change the trajectory of generations.”
Buttigieg received a warm welcome from SMART delegates, and he matched their enthusiasm with an exciting message that the continued success of America is tied directly to empowering our union workforce.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks during the opening day of the SMART General Convention Aug. 12 at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
Brightline West links Las Vegas, Nevada, to Los Angeles, California. It will provide sheet metal work for building and maintaining the tracks, stations, and infrastructure. When operational it will provide jobs for the SMART-TD members who will operate the trains.
Speaking directly to SMART-TD’s bus union members, Buttigieg shared his pride in his labor-friendly accomplishments during his three-plus years at the DOT. His administration worked with SMART and the Federal Transit Administration to finalize a rule forming safety committees on bus properties around the country. Our bus operators will be on these safety committees and our members will control the programs that come out of them.
But he, and even the Biden/Harris administration, could not have carried out these things on their own, Buttigieg shared. He gestured to the delegates on the convention floor: “You drove that! That is what the power of organizing can do!”
From left, SMART-TD National Legislative Director Greg Hynes, SMART General President Michael Coleman, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, TD President Jeremy Ferguson and SMART General Secretary-Treasurer John Daniel pause for a photograph.
The convention was energized to hear his message thanks in person, with welcome recognition of the vital role SMART-TD members play in creating positive change. His remarks garnered a standing ovation.
Union jobs and SMART jobs not only “change the trajectory of generations,” Buttigieg said, but also empower each of us to “shape a future your kids can be proud of.”
SMART is grateful to Secretary Buttigieg for taking part in our national convention and the heart-felt address. His message will not be forgotten!
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 11, 2024) — Jeremy Ferguson of Local 313 (Grand Rapids, Mich.) was reelected Sunday as president of the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers’ Transportation Division (SMART-TD).
His second five-year term as the leader of the United States’ largest railroad and transit union begins Oct. 1, where he will continue to lead the fight for the safety and just treatment of those he represents.
TD President Jeremy Ferguson at the Third TD Convention: “I’m proud of each and every one of [our members], and I’m proud of my team behind me. Thanks to your efforts, we still have two crewmembers on the train.”
Ferguson re-elected after five years of accomplishments
“We’ve been winning, and winning big time,” he said, speaking of SMART-TD’s results during his first term. “I’m proud of each and every one of [our members], and I’m proud of my team behind me. Thanks to your efforts, we still have two crew members on the train.”
“This union is winning on all accounts, across the board, including in arbitration, negotiations and mediation. We are the best union out there and that’s not just my thinking, that is a fact.
“Since the freight carriers went to war against us on day two of my administration, we’ve been on the offense,” he said. “Since the cities, county agencies and transit companies started trying to put things over on our essential operators, we have met them with strength.”
Transit union focused on assault prevention
Under Ferguson’s watch, SMART-TD formed the Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee, which is dedicated to stopping the epidemic of violence transit members face. Created in July 2023, BTAPS has made progress increasing the penalties for assaulting transportation workers. BTAPS is also negotiating to make working conditions for bus and transit workers safer through the installation of protective barriers and other measures.
Railroad union focused on safety and quality of life improvements
Ferguson was among the coalition of rail labor leaders who achieved paid sick time for railroad employees in 2022. Rail labor made considerable progress toward safety improvements during Ferguson’s first term, including the Federal Railroad Administration’s establishment of a two-person freight rail crew regulation.
Negotiations for the next national rail labor contract are scheduled to begin later this year.
TD President Jeremy Ferguson smiles at the Third SMART-TD Convention at Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas on Aug. 11.
Work ethic and integrity are Ferguson’s strengths
Don Zatteau, a delegate of Ferguson’s home local, made the initial nomination for Ferguson’s re-election. The motion received multiple seconds.
“His character and integrity are beyond reproach. His work ethic should be set as an example for this industry,” Zatteau said. “He lives and breathes this union, [it is] his heart and soul.”
Ferguson was challenged for the office by attorney Terry Smith, a member of Local 794 (Wellington, Kan.). Ferguson won re-election with 952 to 45 votes.
No changes among other top union officers
National Legislative Director Gregory Hynes (Local 1081, Phoenix, Ariz.) and Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity of Local 1377 (Russell, Ky.) were also returned to their position in uncontested elections.
All six Transportation Division rail Vice Presidents ran uncontested and were re-elected by acclamation.
They are:
Brent Leonard (Local 202, Denver, Colo.)
Chad Adams (Local 331, Temple, Texas)
Jamie Modesitt (Local 298, Garrett, Ind.)
Joe Lopez (Local 794, Wellington, Kan.)
Gary Crest (Local 807, Tucson, Ariz.)
Dave Wier Jr. (Local 469, Madison, Ill.)
Leonard was also returned to the successor president position by acclamation.
“We’ve defied expectations and proven our resilience,” he said.
Bus incumbents defeat challengers
SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President Alvy Hughes (Local 1596, Charlotte, N.C.) was challenged by Manuel Martinez of Local 1608 (Chatsworth, Calif.). Hughes won the election, 896-104.
SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval (Local 23, Santa Cruz, Calif.) was challenged by Alternate Vice President Richard Finley of Local 1558 (Bergenfield, N.J.). Sandoval retained his seat, 939-58.
Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity addresses the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas on Aug. 11.
Cassity returned by acclamation
Alt. National Legislative Director Jared Cassity was elected by acclamation.
“Our issues are not political – they’re either right or they’re wrong,” Cassity said, addressing the nation’s divided political climate that hinders progress on workers’ issues. “In this room, there are no political adversaries. Our issues are our issues and worth fighting for. Do not let someone else drive a wedge between you!”
Bus Department Alternate Vice President-elect Anthony Petty receives congratulations from SMART-TD Vice President Brent Leonard, right, during the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas on Aug. 11.
Bus Alternate Vice Presidents
Anthony Petty of Local 1594 (Upper Darby, Pa.) was elected to Bus Department Alternate VP — East by acclamation.
“I’m going to hit the ground running,” Petty said. “For the bus membership, we are going to be stronger. I’m proud to be part of this team.”
Incumbent Alt. Vice President — West Markeisha Haynes of Local 1785 (Santa Monica, Calif.) faced a challenge from longtime LACMTA bus operator Pedro “Pete” Lara of Local 1563 (El Monte, Calif.) and won the vote, 861-126.
Rail Alternate Vice Presidents
GCA-270 General Chairperson Edward W. “Chip” Waugh of Local 1258 (Elgin, Ill.), was elected to the ranks of TD international officers as an alternate vice president.
Alt. Vice President Anthony Simon (Local 645, Babylon, N.Y.) announced his retirement from his alternate VP position, creating a vacancy. He is continuing as general chairperson for GO 505 (Long Island Rail Road). GCA-721 General Chairperson Thomas Behsman of Local 64 (Waseca, Minn.), who works for CPKC, and GCA-270 General Chairperson Edward W. “Chip” Waugh of Local 1258 (Elgin, Ill.), who works on Metra, both sought to join the incumbent Transportation Division’s leadership, which included:
Scott Chelette (Local 1337, New Orleans, La.)
Larry Miller Jr. (Local 1841, Klamath, Ore.)
Chris Bartz (Local 1976, St. Paul, Minn.)
Tommy Gholson (Local 573, Danville, Ky.)
Luke Edington (Local 286, North Platte, Neb.)
The final vote tally saw Waugh joining the five incumbents.
Two new faces on SMART-TD Board of Appeals
Three incumbents on the SMART-TD Board of Appeals were returned to the board by acclamation. They are:
LCA-769A Chairperson Cole Czub of Local 898 (Boston, Mass.), a member of the BTAPS Committee, addresses the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas.
Tony McAdams (Local 1092, Teague, Texas) Road Service
Kevin Smith (Local 1813, Colton, Calif.) Yard Service
Tim Flynn Jr. (Local 832, Superior, Wis.) Engine Service
Brenda Moore (Local 1715, Charlotte, N.C.) retired from her role as the Bus Department’s representative on the Board of Appeals, and Rick Pauli did not run for re-election as the Commuter representative, leaving room for two new faces on the board.
Christine Ivey (Local 1785, Santa Monica, Calif.) ran unopposed as Moore’s replacement, and an election was held for two candidates for the Commuter Board of Appeals vacancy.
LCA-769A Chairperson Cole Czub of Local 898 (Boston, Mass.), a member of the BTAPS Committee, faced LCA-769 Chairperson Mike Buckley of Local 838 (Philadelphia, Pa.), and won his election.
Czub and Ivey assume their new roles Oct. 1.
The newly sworn-in officers pose for a group photo at the Third SMART-TD Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., on Aug. 11, 2024.
