News Archive
Colorado bill criminalizing transit assault one step closer to becoming law
With attacks against transit workers showing no signs of slowing down, SMART-TD's safety and legislative directors fight to pass legislation to address this issue in every state. Colorado’s pending new law creates harsher penalties for transit assault, but can it pass before the legislature adjourns? Read on to find out what’s in the bill, who is backing it, and what hurdles remain before it reaches the Governor’s desk.
Honoring the Legacy of Brother John A. Saunders
Our union mourns the loss of Brother John A. Saunders, a longtime union member and first chairman of the Union Pacific Caucus, who passed away on January 28 at the age of 84. Read on to learn more about Brother Saunders’s career on the railroad and how his family legacy lives on.
Kansas funds passenger rail expansion
A coalition of Kansas labor organizations succeeded in creating a dedicated funding mechanism for Amtrak and intercity passenger rail service in the sunflower state. With federal funding for similar projects across the country on the chopping block, our legislative victory demonstrates that progress is still possible. Read on to learn which projects the new Passenger Rail Service Revolving Fund will boost.
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.