News Archive
SMART’s General President Defends Our Brother
Earlier today, The Situation Room on CNN featured SMART General President Michael Coleman who appeared on their broadcast to discuss SMART apprentice Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s ongoing case and his right to due process.
Maryland Passes Monumental Transit Safety Bill
A Maryland bill designed to protect bus and passenger rail workers from violent assaults has officially passed both chambers of the state legislature and is now headed to the governor’s desk for signature. HB-1144 passed unanimously because of powerful union member testimonies, cross-union collaboration and the strategic coordination by Maryland’s new Safety & Legislative Director David Pendleton. Read on to learn more about Pendleton’s first legislative win and the benefits headed to our Maryland members.
Brother Wirth Crowned Champion in 168-Pound Masters Division Victory
Known for his fierce advocacy on the job, Andrew Wirth brought his determination into the ring. Wirth, the Chairperson of Local 1760, claimed the 168-pound Masters Amateur Division Title Saturday by defeating reigning champion Michael Pinto at Cleveland’s LaSalle Theatre.
Chairman Pauli Announces Retirement, SMART-TD celebrates his career
General Chairman Rick Pauli announced his retirement after a 32-year career with the railroad. His care and contributions, including the largest-ever Amtrak wage increase and innumerable claims-related precedents, will benefit the union for years to come. He will always be our brother, and we wish him the very best in this next chapter of his life.
SMART statement on Supreme Court’s decision regarding Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia’s return to the United States
On Thursday, April 10, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that backed a federal judge’s order requiring the government to facilitate the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the United States. Read SMART General President Michael Coleman's statement in response.
SMART-TD Stands With Brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia
The SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) expresses strong support for Brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a SMART union apprentice who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite legal protections and is now imprisoned in dangerous conditions. We are asking SMART-TD members and the public to support Kilmar and his family through donations and by raising awareness to demand his return.
New Mexico Local 1687 sets new precedent with Red Apple Transit
Local 1687 bus Operators at Red Apple Transit in Farmington, NM have unanimously ratified a four-year agreement securing a 22.13% wage increase and major quality-of-life improvements, including expanded sick leave, more paid holidays, and a flexible bereavement policy. This landmark deal not only addresses employee retention issues but also sets new precedents that could influence transit union negotiations nationwide.
Tentative Agreement Reached With TransitAmerica Services (TASI)
SMART-TD GO-769 General Chairperson Rick Pauli is pleased to announce that his General Committee has reached a tentative agreement (TA) on April 1, 2025, with the TransitAmerica Services, Inc. (TASI) Conductors and Assistant Conductors for its over 150 members in Northern California.