News Archive
SMART-TD update on state legislative affairs
Last week, your union put out a story discussing the 49 pieces of legislation that SMART was pushing in 17 states. As state legislatures are all hitting their stride in this year’s cycle around the country and focus on rail safety is as high as it has been in decades, these n [...]
New Mexico 2PC bill passes state House, heads to Senate
When the state of New Mexico comes to mind, we often think of the Carlsbad Caverns, uniquely rugged landscapes and exotic wildlife. Soon it may also conjure up thoughts of solid railroad safety and landmark two-person crew laws. On Feb. 20, New Mexico’s state house chamber, k [...]
SMART-TD strongly supports bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2023
For immediate release March 1, 2023 Phone: (216) 228-9400 Department email: news_td@smart-union.org “This legislation goes a long way toward protecting American families and communities while fortifying the rail industry to be sustainable and safe long [...]
Switching Operations Fatality Analysis (SOFA) group issues info sheet
The Switching Operations Fatality Analysis (SOFA) Working Group issued a one-page information sheet last week regarding shove movements, reminding workers to take care during shove moves — “When in doubt, dismount!” According to the flyer, 27 of 34 fatalities anal [...]
SMART statement on the nomination of Julie Su for secretary of labor
On February 28, President Biden announced his intent to nominate current Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. In response, SMART issued the following statement: “For decades Julie Su has fought tirelessly for the rights o [...]
SMART statement on the reintroduction of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act
On February 28, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representatives Bobby Scott and Brian Fitzpatrick reintroduced the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act. In response, SMART issued the following statement: “Today, we at SMART join Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.) an [...]
Washington’s H.B. 1839 vying to become the first state law limiting train length since 1940s
The state of Washington and its State Legislative Director (SLD) Herb Krohn have had legislative victories in the past. Washington is one of the states that has succeeded in passing a two-person crew regulation into law, with their state crewing law being the most stringent i [...]
Nebraska: 2PC and blocked-crossing bills on schedule for March 6 committee hearings
The Legislature in Nebraska’s capital of Lincoln is not known to be a hotbed of activity for rail labor lobbying success stories, but SMART Transportation Division’s newest State Legislative Director (SLD) Andy Foust is actively making moves to change that. In his first week [...]