Members drive legislative action in New England

When Brother Dave Stevenson (Local 0898, Boston) became SMART-TD’s New England Safety & Legislative Director last May, he hit the ground running. 
 
In one year, his State Legislative Board signed up 120 members for the TD Political Action Committee (PAC), which is completely voluntary.    

“Getting members involved in the TD-PAC is big,” explained SLD Stevenson. “The legislative part of our union is kind of the horsepower behind the union.” 

This support solidifies our union’s status as a powerful force at the Massachusetts Legislature. SLD Stevenson and his team have moved the needle on critical policy issues while shepherding this increase in political participation.  

PAC Contributions Power Safety Laws, Relationships and Influence 

Our brothers and sisters in New England are seeing a tangible return on their investment when it comes to legislative and policy issues that impact our members. 
 
“When they see bills that we’re running, when they see me and [BTAPS Vice Chairperson] Cole Czub (Local 0898, Boston) at the State House, that proves to them that their money is not being wasted and that money is going somewhere,” said SLD Stevenson.  
 
“We have politicians showing up for us,” SLD Stevenson pointed out. “When we had a contract, we had all the Massachusetts delegation sign a letter to Keolis telling them to get this deal done. When I talk about the PAC, I bring that letter from the Massachusetts delegation, and I say ‘Hey, these guys have got our back…let’s help them out.’” 
 
SLD Stevenson specifically highlights the pending Transit Worker Assault Bill, which would ensure that contracted transit employees such as Keolis conductors, engineers, and onboard crews, are granted the same legal protections against assault as their counterparts working directly for public transit authorities as an example of members’ return on investment.  

The Governor of Massachusetts even thanked SLD Stevenson by name during a recent press conference at Boston Engine Terminal. 
 
“People listen to us,” Stevenson said. 

SMART-TD Engages in Non-Partisan Political Action 

“When I talk to people about the PAC program, I make sure to talk about how we’re one of the few unions that gives to both sides,” SLD Stevenson noted. “We’ll give to Democrats. We’ll give to Republicans. I think that kind of resonates, because our members are diverse in their political leanings.” 

Small Contributions Add Up 

“When I explained that we’ll stand with anyone who stands with rail safety, rail labor, that helps them want to contribute.”  

Even more important than the addition of political dollars is how plugged in and active our members in New England are becoming.  

“[It’s basically the cost of] a coffee a month,” explained SLD Stevenson. “That money, no matter how small it is, is definitely going towards something.”    

Ultimately, Stevenson knows that his team’s actions speak louder than their words. 

“Once the members see you out there doing stuff, going to events, meeting these people, letting them know our issues, staying in front of them, people seem to be very receptive,” Stevenson added. “It’s going directly towards contracts, towards rail safety, towards two-person crew (2-PC).”