News Archive
Are You Registered to Vote?
As recently as last week, in Virginia, one vote determined the balance of power in that state’s legislature. Remember that when the time comes to vote, especially in this year’s important midterm elections. It’s never too early to update your voter registrat [...]
NTSB publishes preliminary findings on Amtrak 501 Washington derailment
Below are the preliminary findings of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as published on their website. On December 18, 2017, at 7:33 a.m., Pacific standard time, southbound Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation) passenger train 501, consisting of a lea [...]
FRA proposes delaying training, qualification and oversight for safety-related railroad workers
In response to a petition of reconsideration filed by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) of the final rule that requires training, qualification and oversight for safety-related railroad employees, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has [...]
Phyllis Reed, widow of former B&O GC, dies
Phyllis Reed of Florence, Ky., passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Florence. Phyllis was born Aug. 17, 1939, to the late Victor and Mary Osborn. She married former B&O General Committee General Chairman J.T. “Terry” Reed in 196 [...]
SMART-MD, other rail unions reach tentative agreement with Amtrak
SMART Mechanical Department General Committee 2 General Chairman John McCloskey announced Jan. 8 that a tentative agreement with Amtrak has been reached. SMART-MD and coalition partners Transportation Communications Union, National Conference of Firemen and Oilers/SEIU, Inter [...]
Visit Members Section for Ticket Savings and More
SMART has updated its Member Benefits section exclusively for SMART members with new offerings such as discounts for movie and theme park tickets along with other entertainment options. As a member of SMART, you have access to one of the leading member benefit programs in the [...]
Increases in RRB annuity payouts, earning limits go into effect
Most railroad retirement annuities, like Social Security benefits, were scheduled to increase Jan. 1 on the basis of the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the third quarter of 2016 to the corresponding period of 2017. The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) reports that [...]