News Archive
A Message of Thanks and Solidarity
As you probably already know, SMART reached an agreement with the Ontario Sheet Metal Contractors’ Association to renew the Sheet Metal ICI Collective Agreement this past week. All Ontario Local Unions involved ratified the agreement after the strike ended on June 29. On beha [...]
Ohio SLB gives update on rail safety legislation
SMART TD’s Ohio State Legislative Board has given an update on H.B. 186 — a comprehensive rail safety bill that addresses two-person crews, safe walkways, rail yard lighting and blocked crossings — that was introduced to the Ohio House Transportation Committee on June 18. Ohi [...]
SMART TD Regional Meeting: President Previsich says FRA action will not go unchallenged
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — In closing remarks to the SMART Transportation Division Regional Meeting July 3, TD President John Previsich said that recent actions of government agencies under the umbrella of the federal Department of Transportation will not go unchallenged. Acti [...]
Save SMART Sheet Metal Apprenticeships
In late June, the Department of Labor issued proposed rules governing the introduction of new Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs). These privately-run apprenticeship programs will not be subject to the same standards and rules governing current programs. Curre [...]
Happy 4th of July
On the 4th of July, we celebrate the founding of the United States and the rights and liberties we enjoy as Americans. It is a time to look to the past and honor the sacrifices of prior generations that built this nation. It is also a time to look forward and remember that fr [...]
New head of National Mediation Board named
The National Mediation Board (NMB) announced Monday that Linda A. Puchala has been named chair of the board, effective July 1. Gerald Fauth III and Kyle Fortson remain as board members. Puchala was confirmed as an NMB member by the United States Senate on May 21, 2009. She ha [...]
Happy Canada Day
Brothers and sisters, On July 1st we celebrate Canada Day! The anniversary of the effective date of the Constitution Act of 1867 (then called the British North America Act.) Throughout history, Canada has been a nation that the rest of the world looks up to. Building one of t [...]Safe Freight Act two-person crew bill introduced in U.S. Senate
WASHINGTON (June 26, 2019) — U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today introduced the Safe Freight Act, (S.1979) legislation that would promote rail safety by mandating at least two-person crews on all freight trains in the United States. The bill [...]