News Archive
Alert for freight rail members
ATTENTION ALL FREIGHT RAIL MEMBERS: The SMART Transportation Division wants to hear your feedback about PEB 250’s recommendations, and our ongoing national contract dispute! This is a pivotal time in our history, and your feedback is invaluable to helping your negotiating tea [...]
Kansas governor lends support for two-person crews
The governor of Kansas Laura Kelly (D) recently demonstrated her support for SMART-TD members and their safety by submitting comments to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in support of a national two-person crew regulation. “I am pleased to announce that Governor Kell [...]
SMART-TD, BLET joint statement on Labor Day 2022
The following is a statement from SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson and BLET President Dennis Pierce. CLEVELAND, (September 2) — As we approach Labor Day 2022, our Unions stand at a crossroads. While our normal messages heading into one of the most important days for Organiz [...]
TD Local 18 member killed in derailment
Mario Navarro, 49, a SMART-TD member out of Local 18 (El Paso, Texas), died late Aug. 29 after a pair of rail cars derailed in an accident in Union Pacific’s Alfalfa Rail Yard during a shoving movement. An online fundraiser has been established to help his family throug [...]
Update on PEB 250 recommendations to national agreement negotiations
The following is a joint statement from SMART TD President Jeremy Ferguson and BLET President Dennis Pierce: CLEVELAND, Ohio, August 27, 2022 — On Monday, August 22, the SMART TD and BLET, along with the other remaining United Rail Unions, met with the Rail Carriers via [...]
Class Is release 2nd quarter 2022 financial results
2nd Quarter 2022 Net Earnings: Increased 10% to $1.7 billion from $1.5 billion Earnings Per Share: n/a – BNSF is not publicly traded Revenue: Increased 14% to $6.6 billion from $5.8 billion Operating Income: Increased 7% to $2.4 billion from $2.2 billionOperating Expenses: [...]
SMART Local 16 (Portland, Ore.) members strike at 360 Sheet Metal
Following a successful organizing campaign against union-busting opposition, SMART Local 16 members at Vancouver, Washington-based 360 Sheet Metal are now on strike, protesting unfair labor practices and a refusal to come to the bargaining table by management. Workers have be [...]
Fundraiser established for GC’s cancer fight
General Chairperson Craig Patch (GCA-TMM) is facing a diagnosis of brain cancer and a fundraiser has been established to help him and his family through a difficult time. LCA-TMM Secretary Michael Jenkins said Brother Patch faces a treatment period of a year to 18 months. He [...]