News Archive
SMART Local 137’s James Heinzman provides update on Project 2025, Trump administration’s actions related to union members
Throughout the election, then-candidate Donald Trump denied any connection with Project 2025. But since taking office, SMART Local 137’s James Heinzman (New York City) told SMART News, his executive actions and several administrative appointees have closely followed the playbook.
BTAPS expands safety push to all 50 states with new legislative tech
SMART-TD prepares for best-of-class safety legislation with a new tool that allows the union to remix existing laws into new bills. Read on to learn how the new bill tracker will help the Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee create safer workplaces from coast to coast.
Rail Safety Battle Continues in Colorado Legislature
Last year, the Office of Rail Safety was created in Colorado. Now, SMART-TD is pressing for a new law to ensure the office is funded so that it can do the job it was created for: making sure Colorado railroaders and the communities they serve are safe. Read on to learn why the original bill was passed without teeth and how our new bill aims to fix that.
Call for photos: “From America’s roads to rails, we want to see your best shots!”
If you have a memorable snapshot of the rails or on the road, consider sharing it with your union brothers and sisters! If your photo is featured by SMART News you could receive free swag! Read on for details.
Department of Defense halts PLAs on construction projects
Project labor agreements, or PLAs, represent one of the greatest achievements of the unionized construction industry, benefiting taxpayers, contractors, union members AND nonunion workers alike. PLAs have been lifting working families into the middle class for generations — e [...]
A Century of Labor History for the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters
2025 marks 100 years since the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) was founded, the first African American labor union in the United States. As we wrap up Black History Month, SMART-TD is proud to share the story of these trailblazers who left a powerful legacy that still impacts our members today.
CSX Threatens Engineers’ Jobs with New “Zero-Zero” Autopilot Technology
SMART-TD is raising concerns over CSX's petition to use a new Trip Optimizer Air Brake Control system, which will control freight train operations from start to stop. While CSX claims the system will reduce fuel consumption and emissions, SMART-TD believes these claims are little more than a smokescreen for CSX’s true intentions. Read on to find out what they really want and what we can do to stop them.