News Archive
Kansas rail safety legislation needs support
Kansas is a state with a population of only 2.94 million people — ranking as the 35th largest state in the country, population-wise. In contrast to that number, according to the American Association of Railroads’ website, Kansas ranks sixth in the nation for distance of rail [...]
Husband of TD staff member in need of liver donor
The whole foundation of unionism is the idea of putting the needs of other people in a situation similar to yourself — your union brothers and sisters — above the needs of the individual with the intent that things will improve for all through that collective effort. It’s the [...]
SMART statement on Women’s Equal Pay Day 2023
Each year, Women’s Equal Pay Day recognizes and raises awareness around gender pay inequality. SMART released the following statement on Women’s Equal Pay Day 2023: “Today is Women’s Equal Pay Day – the date that symbolizes the ongoing state of the gender pay gap. On av [...]
Railway Safety Act top of mind at Senate’s NS hearing
Last week’s much-anticipated hearing of the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Environment and Public Works featured a discussion of the Norfolk Southern derailment and the subsequent release of chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio. The spectacle of seeing NS CEO Alan Shaw fend off ques [...]
SMART News highlights the labor advocacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. changed the course of history, leading a pioneering crusade for racial justice and civil rights. Unfortunately, his bold vision for the country and the world is often diluted in favor of a sanitized version of history, and many important characteri [...]
From the Ballast: Accountability? Shaw didn’t show it
“From the Ballast” is an open column for SMART Transportation Division rail members to state their perspective on issues related to the railroad industry. Members of the union are encouraged to submit content by emailing to news_TD@smart-union.org. Columns are published at th [...]
SMART tradeswoman details benefits of union sheet metal apprenticeship
In a video profile for Women In Construction Week 2023, Local 17's Kerry Sampson talked about her apprenticeship experience and the life-changing impact of joining SMART.
Maryland SMART members, building trades workers rally for Prince George’s County project labor agreement
Prince George’s (PG) County in Maryland is currently considering a project labor agreement (PLA) for the county’s blueprint schools program, which will use a public-private partnership model for more than $1 billion in school construction in the county. The PLA, which has fac [...]