News Archive
Key bills introduced that intend to boost transportation safety in North Carolina
Legislators in both the North Carolina state House and Senate have introduced bills to keep freight rail operations on the state’s more than 3,300 miles of track running safely and efficiently. A bus safety bill is also in the works in the state. H.B. 408 and S. 348 require a [...]
RRB: Comparison of benefits under Railroad Retirement and Social Security
Employers and employees covered by the Railroad Retirement Act pay higher retirement taxes than those covered by the Social Security Act. As a result, Railroad Retirement benefits are higher than Social Security benefits, especially for “career” employees (those employees who [...]
Local 73 Partners with IL Township and Jewel-Osco to Provide COVID-19 Vaccination Site
Photos by Dave Sylvester, Local 73 Hillside, Ill. – SMART SM Local 73 is partnering with Proviso Township and Jewel-Osco to provide added capacity for COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts, with its union hall functioning as a vaccine injection site. More than 1400 vaccines w [...]
Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department Report
The Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department is excited to relaunch the Department’s Report in the Member’s Journal and online. This page is devoted to news for members belonging to the local unions and General Committees under this Department. Be sure to check future [...]
Video: The Benefits of American Rescue Plan for SMART Members
In this month’s video address from SMART General President Joseph Sellers, he looks at the recent passage of the American Rescue Plan. The plan does more than provide direct cash relief through payments to working Americans and resources for COVID-19 vaccination efforts [...]Notice from Labor Member of the RRB: Update on American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
Brothers and Sisters, As you may have heard, Congress recently enacted legislation to provide some financial relief to railroaders. In the legislation entitled the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), Congress essentially extended the benefits originally created by the CA [...]
VICE article explains the dangers of PSR
Members and leaders of the SMART Transportation Division as well as the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department, spelled out why U.S. freight railroads’ obsession with Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) increases the danger to the public and railroad workers alike. Journa [...]
Hazardous Materials Training Program to offer online courses in April
In April, the Hazardous Materials Training Program is planning to host three courses virtually: Disaster Recovery/Response Course (2 hours) COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Response Awareness Training Course (90 minutes) DOT Hazardous Materials Awareness Course (8 hours over t [...]