News Archive
SMART News highlights the labor advocacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. changed the course of history, leading a pioneering crusade for racial justice and civil rights. Unfortunately, his bold vision for the country and the world is often diluted in favor of a sanitized version of history, and many important characteri [...]
From the Ballast: Accountability? Shaw didn’t show it
“From the Ballast” is an open column for SMART Transportation Division rail members to state their perspective on issues related to the railroad industry. Members of the union are encouraged to submit content by emailing to news_TD@smart-union.org. Columns are published at th [...]
SMART tradeswoman details benefits of union sheet metal apprenticeship
In a video profile for Women In Construction Week 2023, Local 17's Kerry Sampson talked about her apprenticeship experience and the life-changing impact of joining SMART.
Maryland SMART members, building trades workers rally for Prince George’s County project labor agreement
Prince George’s (PG) County in Maryland is currently considering a project labor agreement (PLA) for the county’s blueprint schools program, which will use a public-private partnership model for more than $1 billion in school construction in the county. The PLA, which has fac [...]
Boston journeyperson details her sheet metal career in member profile video
In a video profile for Women In Construction Week 2023, Local 17's Adrian Mobley took SMART through a day on the job and discussed her journey in the trade.
Utah rail safety bill awaits signature of governor
As has been documented, we’ve been pushing quite a few pieces of rail safety legislation in many states. Of all the places SMART has legislation, Utah State Legislative Director Dan Brewer may have had the most-ambitious agenda this cycle especially considering his state has [...]
SMART-MD, IBEW, IAM Unions File Outsourcing Suit Against BNSF Railway
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 19, and International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Mechanical and Engineering Department (SMART-MD) iss [...]
Bills of importance to TD members introduced in Michigan
The state of Michigan is a great microcosm of the United States as a whole. It has major metropolitan areas, heavy industry, expansive agriculture and a diverse transportation network. Train tracks crisscross “The Big Mitten,” moving people to and from the state a [...]