News Archive
Local 16 members help recruit the next generation of sheet metal workers
For decades, high school guidance counselors, media outlets and policymakers pushed the idea that four-year college is the only path to prosperity for working families. And for decades, huge swaths of the American population have suffered as a result — while college is a gr [...]
Local 24 organizes newly arrived Ohioans to strengthen our union
In Central Ohio, megaprojects are creating previously unheard-of amounts of work for SMART Local 24 members — putting sheet metal workers on jobsites, such as Intel’s chip factories, and creating urgent staffing needs. That’s a good problem to have, and it’s helping Local 24 [...]
Region III Apprenticeship Contest showcases the next generation of journeyworkers
The Local 435 (Northern Fla.) JATC hosted the SMART Region III Apprenticeship Contest at its JATC on March 22–23, bringing together 27 contestants from nine local unions for a prestigious competition spanning two full days. The event showcased the talent and skills of appren [...]
SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department reaches tentative agreements with CSX, Norfolk Southern and BNSF — ratification vote to follow
The SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department (SMART-MD) has reached tentative agreements with CSX, Norfolk Southern and BNSF Railway that will be sent to the membership for a vote in the days ahead. Section 6 notices for national negotiations are not allowed to [...]
New round of hazmat trainings announced
The next four rounds of training through the Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program have been announced for October and into 2025.
Amtrak general committees announce tentative agreement
General chairpersons who handle SMART-TD’s Amtrak properties announce that they’ve negotiated improvements in the latest tentative agreement, including substantial wage increases and back pay. The contract will be placed before members for consideration in the very near future.
UPDATED: Solidarity with Canadian rail workers maintained as labor situation evolves
The Canadian government acted to intervene in the rail dispute in Canada the evening of Aug. 22. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will update our guidance to members as time passes.
Retired California SLD/ASLD Michael Anderson passes away
Michael Anderson, 78, a retired California state legislative director and longtime assistant state legislative director from Local 1570 (Roseville, Calif.), passed away Aug. 8, 2024. Brother Anderson, a second-generation railroader, began his rail career as a switchman at Sou [...]