News Archive
Value of Unions
Unions provide the stability and protection that non-union workers increasingly lack in an economy defined by mass layoffs. This reality is underscored by decades of job cuts in sectors like technology, finance, and manufacturing. Read one to see how our recent job-security gains prove that union solidarity is still the strongest defense against becoming a labor department statistic.
New Mass. Law Protects SMART-TD Transit Members
On Wednesday afternoon, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey strengthened protections for public and private transit workers by signing H. 4645 into law. Several SMART-TD members championed this legislation from Day 1, pushed to get it over the finish line, and were present for the signing. Read on to learn about the new protections and how they could lead to improved conditions for workers across the country.
Bills Mount After Texas Conductor Loses a Leg
Raul Gomez (Local 18, El Paso), a union brother known for dropping everything to help a friend or co-worker in need, lost his leg in a devastating on-the-job accident nearly 20 months ago. Unable to work, his family is now buried under a mountain of bills and everyday expenses. He needs our help to catch up. Read on to learn about his accident and how you can help.
2026 Railroad Retirement and Unemployment Insurance Tax Changes
While the tax rates remain unchanged, the income limits for Tier I and Tier II retirement taxes will rise slightly in 2026. Tier I will be $184,500, while Tier II increases to $137,100. Read on to see how the updated compensation limits, Medicare thresholds, and unemployment insurance rates will affect your paychecks in the year ahead.
SMART General President Michael Coleman praises SMART-TD agreement with Union Pacific, congratulates members on ratification
SMART General President Michael Coleman's statement on the agreement ratified by SMART-TD members working on Union Pacific properties.
SMART Women’s Committee statement on Amber Czech
Read the SMART Women's Committee's statement on Amber Czech, a Minnesota tradeswoman who was murdered at work.
SMART-TD Members on UP Properties Ratify Five-Year Agreement
Members working on Union Pacific properties have overwhelmingly ratified a five-year agreement, with a vast majority voting “yes” for substantial wage increases, enhanced benefits, and powerful new protections that resolve longstanding issues. Read on to see how this strong contract victory will deliver real gains in pay, quality of life, and fairness for SMART-TD’s UP membership over the next five years.
General President Coleman’s Thanksgiving message to U.S. members
"Thanksgiving is about gratitude. It is about the things that matter in life: Loved ones. Community. Our health, and our well-being. "As SMART members, these values are especially meaningful. We are part of the movement that fought to protect those things that matter to us — and so all of us could enjoy days like Thanksgiving. We continue to fight so that every single person gets the pay, the benefits and the respect they deserve."