News Archive
House seeks funding for transit security in wake of Russia subway attack
After a subway attack in Russia this week, more than 80 representatives asked House appropriators to make sure that the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) will be fully funded. Lawmakers said TSGP could face deep funding cuts under President Trump’s budget. “We [...]
Heartfelt Letter From A Sheet Metal Local 36 Spouse
Cindy Lee Tiefenbrunn to Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 36 Appreciation from the wife of a Union Member With the Right to Work Bill being in the news lately I feel the need to show my appreciation to Local 36. We were a young couple having our first child when my husband [...]
Local 303 MOW members ratify new five-year contract
SMART Transportation Division-represented Maintenance of Way (MOW) employees of the Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad (a Genesee Wyoming property) have ratified a five-year contract. General Chairperson Steve Simpson and 1st Vice General Chairperson Scott Chelette ass [...]President Trump Addresses Building Trades Leaders
President Donald J. Trump addressed participants at the 2017 North American Building Trades Union Conference in Washington, DC. This follows an earlier meeting with General President Sellers and other Building Trades leaders. You can view coverage here.
Plan to link Alaska and Canada railways back on the table
JUNEAU, Alaska – According to an article posted by the Alaska News Dispatch, former Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski has been appointed by current Gov. Bill Walker as a “special envoy” to revive a decades-long plan to connect Alaska’s and Canada’s fre [...]
Georgia SLD Campbell runs for state Senate
SMART TD Georgia State Legislative Director Matt Campbell is currently running for Georgia’s State Senate, District 32. Campbell is up against seven other candidates. A special election will be held April 18. Campbell has been endorsed by SMART TD, AFL-CIO, IBEW, CWA, T [...]N.D. pipeline – potential for negative impact on rail
The Bismarck Tribune reports that the completion of the Dakota Access Pipeline may possibly reduce rail crude transport by 470,000 barrels or more. SMART TD National Legislative Director John Risch told the newspaper that the downturn in oil shipments by rail could negativel [...]
Safety over profit: Act now! Urge Ohio Transportation Committee to support 2-person crew bill!
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The first step in the process to mandate a minimum of two-person freight train crews in Ohio (H.B. 107) occurred Wednesday, March 29, when the Ohio Transportation & Safety Committee held its first hearing on the bill. To make H.B. 107 a law in Ohio, [...]