News - SMART Union

2025 National Agreement Freight Negotiations Update from President Ferguson

July 14, 2025 Ahead of next Tuesday's scheduled negotiations, read on for President Jeremy Ferguson’s update. This is intended for SMART-TD freight carrier members, specifically those who are currently under “national handling” for the 2025 bargaining round.

NRLC Bargaining Chart

July 14, 2025

Brother Bill Link Retires After a Memorable 53 Year Career

July 11, 2025 After exactly 53 years of service, Brother Bill Link (Local 1470) retired from Amtrak on June 27. Read on to hear what spurred his railroad career, the lessons he’s learned, and the legacy that he leaves behind for future generations.

Bad Actors to be Restrained Thanks to New SMART-TD-backed Transit Bill

July 10, 2025 California joins a growing list of states where SMART-TD members are fighting for stronger protections for transit operators, employees, and passengers. Read on to learn what changes could be coming to current law that would ensure our members’ enhanced safety.

Nebraska Reforms Standards for Rail Crew Transportation

July 9, 2025 We tell our kids not to get into a stranger’s car because they might be a drug addict or a sex offender, but it turns out our Railroaders need to take that same advice when getting into Railroad-provided crew cabs! Read on to see how Nebraska SLD Andy Foust fought to clean up the rules that regulate who can be hired to drive crew vans in his state. SMART-TD is now working to make similar changes nationwide.

Show Your Pride, Win Shirts for Your Entire Local

July 8, 2025 Share your local pride and compete for free shirts for your local in SMART-TD's first ever Local Pride T-shirt Contest. Read on to learn how to submit a shirt and how much your local can win.

Local Pride T-Shirt Contest Rules

July 8, 2025

Where Do You Get Your News? Help SMART-TD Meet You There

July 7, 2025 Whether it’s Facebook, TikTok, or another site, SMART-TD is calling on all members to share where they get their news so your union can deliver timely updates directly on the platforms you already use. From safety alerts to contract negotiations, read on to learn how you can help strengthen communication, share your stories, and keep every member informed and connected. 

2025 spending bill will cut jobs, drive up costs for SMART members nationwide

July 7, 2025 The "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed by Congress in early July includes massive cuts to clean energy tax credits, Medicaid and more that will negatively impact SMART members' work opportunities and health care coverage.