News Archive
General President Coleman’s statement on White House budget office encouraging the use of project labor agreements
On June 12, the White House budget office encouraged federal agencies to use project labor agreements on construction jobs. The guidance includes potential exceptions to avoid the use of PLAs and does not require PLAs on projects over $35 million. “These major energy projects were creating jobs for SMART members and American construction workers. Now, after the Department of Energy’s announcement, those jobs have been taken away,” said SMART General President Michael Coleman. “That’s bad for our members, our families and our country. We’re urging the Department of Energy to reverse this decision and put American workers back on the job.”
Arkansas & Missouri Begins a New Chapter with SMART-TD
SMART-TD welcomes our new brothers and sisters from the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad. Read on to learn how A&M’s Transportation & Engine and Maintenance of Way members are preparing for a better future.
General President Coleman’s statement on the Department of Energy canceling $3.7 billion in funding awards for energy projects
The Department of Energy recently canceled $3.7 billion in awards for various energy projects, including a project in Mitchell, Indiana, that had employed Local 20 sheet metal workers. “These major energy projects were creating jobs for SMART members and American construction workers. Now, after the Department of Energy’s announcement, those jobs have been taken away,” said SMART General President Michael Coleman. “That’s bad for our members, our families and our country. We’re urging the Department of Energy to reverse this decision and put American workers back on the job.”
Montebello Transit Wins Longevity Pay, Wage Gains
Montebello Transit employees in SMART-TD Local 1701 have ratified a new contract with a significant pay increase, along with new longevity pay after seven years of service. This is the latest victory for SMART-TD’s Bus Department, which has set several precedents this year. Read on for details, including how relationships played an important role in solidifying the agreement.
Education Department helps unionists strengthen advocacy in Pittsburgh
SMART union leaders often need to communicate important information to a wide variety of parties — politicians, business owners, fellow workers and reporters, to name a few — when fighting to better the lives of SMART members. That’s why the SMART Education Department held its Effective Communication II class in Pittsburgh, Pa., during the week of June 3, 2025.
Representative Paul Evans Sells Out Oregon Railroaders
Last month, Oregon Democratic State Representative Paul Evans torpedoed Oregon’s two-person crew (2-PC) legislation. Read on to learn about the severity of his mistake and what we’re going to do next.
SMART General President Michael Coleman’s statement on reports that Kilmar Abrego Garcia will return to the United States
Following reporting by ABC News that Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being returned to the United States from El Salvador, SMART General President Michael Coleman released the following statement: “Since March, our demand has not changed: Kilmar Abrego Garcia must be returned to the [...]
PHOTO GALLERY: SEPTA Drivers Provide Bulletproof Barrier Feedback
SEPTA bus drivers in Philadelphia provided real-world feedback on the bulletproof barriers that have been installed on eight of the fleet’s vehicles. Once adjustments are made, these barriers will be gradually installed on all SEPTA buses. Read on for details, including a photo gallery of today’s testing.