News Archive
Enrollment period has been extended for new SMART VDP
The open-enrollment period for the new SMART TD Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP)<strong? has been extended until Jan. 15, 2020. The high call volume that occurred as last week’s deadline approach allowed the negotiation of a longer period for members to take [...]
ERMA lifetime maximum benefit to increase in 2020
The lifetime maximum benefit for the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit (ERMA or GA-46000) Plan will increase from $166,400 to $171,100 beginning Jan. 1, 2020. At the end of 2001, labor and management had agreed on various procedures to adminis [...]
Local 1227 member killed in Kansas yard accident
Brother Chris Seidl of Local 1227 (Wichita, Kan.) was struck and killed by a train car the night of Dec. 3 while performing service in a yard in north Wichita. He was an employee of Wichita Terminal Association, which is jointly owned by BNSF and Union Pacific. He had been a [...]
Daughter of retired member talks about why unions matter in essay
“My daughter and her friend work for Grub Hub and live off tips,” said Donna, “and they live with me because there is no way that they can afford to live on their own.” Donna’s story hit me hard and here is why. My dad made a choice at 18 that if he was going […]
As holidays approach, a note from President Ferguson
Dear Brothers & Sisters: We are approaching the close of another year, and my thoughts grow stronger about each of you during this forthcoming holiday period. Your daily lifestyles, both personally and professionally, are demanding and sometimes conflictive. Giving them r [...]
Cheryl Sneed, former administrative assistant to Futhey, passes away
Cheryl Sneed, who worked in the office of the United Transportation Union for nearly four decades, including as an executive administrative aide in the President’s Department, passed away on Nov. 25, 2019. She was 66 years old. Cheryl started with the UTU in 1975 in the [...]
SMART to Blue Green Alliance: No Path Forward
After months of attacks on SMART members green jobs by lobbying group AAM, SMART will leave the Blue Green Alliance and pursue green jobs agenda through other partnerships. Washington, D.C.—The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SM [...]Services scheduled for niece of Alt. VP Anthony Simon
Jennifer Diaz, niece of SMART TD Alternate Vice President and General Chairperson Anthony Simon (GO-505), passed away recently, and memorial arrangements have been finalized. Visitation is scheduled 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25 at Frederick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, 2 [...]