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FRA Doubles Our Risk By Reducing Track Inspections

The FRA’s late-Friday decision to cut required human track inspections in half directly increases the risk for rail workers, communities, and the national network by relying more heavily on automated systems that miss many defects trained inspectors routinely catch. Read on to see how SMART-TD National Safety & Legislative Director Jared Cassity explains the dangers of this rule change, the industry motives behind it, and why every railroad worker’s safety is now more at stake.

Value of Unions

Unions provide the stability and protection that non-union workers increasingly lack in an economy defined by mass layoffs. This reality is underscored by decades of job cuts in sectors like technology, finance, and manufacturing. Read one to see how our recent job-security gains prove that union solidarity is still the strongest defense against becoming a labor department statistic.

New Mass. Law Protects SMART-TD Transit Members

On Wednesday afternoon, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey strengthened protections for public and private transit workers by signing H. 4645 into law. Several SMART-TD members championed this legislation from Day 1, pushed to get it over the finish line, and were present for the signing. Read on to learn about the new protections and how they could lead to improved conditions for workers across the country.

Bills Mount After Texas Conductor Loses a Leg

Raul Gomez (Local 18, El Paso), a union brother known for dropping everything to help a friend or co-worker in need, lost his leg in a devastating on-the-job accident nearly 20 months ago. Unable to work, his family is now buried under a mountain of bills and everyday expenses. He needs our help to catch up. Read on to learn about his accident and how you can help.

2026 Railroad Retirement and Unemployment Insurance Tax Changes

While the tax rates remain unchanged, the income limits for Tier I and Tier II retirement taxes will rise slightly in 2026. Tier I will be $184,500, while Tier II increases to $137,100. Read on to see how the updated compensation limits, Medicare thresholds, and unemployment insurance rates will affect your paychecks in the year ahead.

SMART-TD Members on UP Properties Ratify Five-Year Agreement

Members working on Union Pacific properties have overwhelmingly ratified a five-year agreement, with a vast majority voting “yes” for substantial wage increases, enhanced benefits, and powerful new protections that resolve longstanding issues. Read on to see how this strong contract victory will deliver real gains in pay, quality of life, and fairness for SMART-TD’s UP membership over the next five years.