News Archive
GoFundMe opened for member shot while on the job
On July 22 of this year, Local 1715 member Karen Taylor was shot five times in broad daylight while her Charlotte Area Transit Systems (CATS) bus was stopped to unload passengers. “…just as the last person stepped off of her bus, a man appeared out of nowhere and shot five ti [...]
Railroad Retirement Board seeks feedback on online services in survey
A contractor working with the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) on the board’s information technology initiatives, including RRB’s online services, is seeking feedback from active railroad workers and retirees that will direct its future plans. Accenture has set a S [...]
SMART Members Mobilize to Defend Apprenticeship Programs
With the potential fate of registered apprenticeship programs hanging in the balance, SMART members from across the United States joined their brothers and sisters across the Building Trades in filing comments against the inclusion of Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Progra [...]
Ohio rail safety bill scheduled for hearing; testimony needed
State Legislative Director Stu Gardner reports that proponent testimony has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, in House Hearing Room 114 in the Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square in Columbus, regarding H.B. 186, a comprehensive railroad safety bill under cons [...]
Happy Labor Day from SMART TD
Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 after President Grover Cleveland signed it into law to appease angry union workers following a railroad labor strike that President Cleveland sent armed troops in to break up. More than a dozen workers were killed. More information i [...]
Happy Labor Day From GP Sellers
Brothers and sisters, let me wish you and your family a Happy Labor Day. This past month, we completed our Second SMART General Convention where transportation and sheet metal members stood together to work on focusing on the future to position our Union for the rapid changes [...]
Patriot Rail acquired by Australian firm
Patriot Rail and Ports, an operator of short lines in the United States, was acquired by First State Investments, an Australia-based firm that has invested in infrastructure in Australia, Europe, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, Railway Age reported Aug. 27. Terms of the a [...]Members invited to big Labor Day marches
All SMART members are invited to participate in annual Labor Day parades. On Monday, Sept. 2, in Galesburg, Ill., Transportation Division Alternate National Legislative Director-elect Jared Cassity is scheduled to be in attendance to march alongside members of TD Local 195 an [...]