SMART-TD leaders urge action from FMCSA administrator

CLEVELAND, Ohio (March 18) — SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) President Jeremy R. Ferguson and TD Bus Department Vice Presidents Calvin Studivant and Alvy Hughes sent a letter to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Raymond Martinez urging the head of the FMCSA to thoroughly respond to the rapidly spreading national threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus). “While it […]

Attention bus members/retirees: Social Security offices closed to public

The Social Security Administration announced in a press release that effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all local offices will be closed to the public. Below is the release. All local Social Security offices will be closed to the public for in-person service starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020.  This decision protects the population we serve — […]

NOTICE: SMART-TD locals may cancel meetings for March and April 2020

March 17, 2020 In line with White House recommendations that gatherings of more than 10 people be avoided to counter the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, SMART Transportation Division Locals are advised they may cancel monthly meetings in March and April 2020. During this period only, officers and members seeking membership approval of expense submissions […]

UPDATED: RRB field offices closed until further notice

On behalf of Labor Member of the Board John Bragg, the following release was issued: On March 13, the President declared the COVID-19 virus outbreak a national emergency. While the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) employees continue to work both on-site and remotely, out of an abundance of caution, the RRB decided to close its 53 […]

Rail unions urge FRA to act regarding spread of coronavirus

CLEVELAND, Ohio (March 6) — SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) jointly petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on March 6 to take action in responding to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the United States. “With at least 231 patients treated in 22 states, and at least […]

TD president’s letter seeks NCCC’s clarification on industry’s approach to coronavirus

The SMART-Transportation Division has reached out to the chairman of the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) seeking answers as to what the rail industry’s response would be to the spread of the COVID-19 respiratory illness, especially when considering the strict attendance policies of carriers. This is the first of what will be a number of […]

Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Bill Passed to Address Emergency Preparedness

On February 24, the Trump Administration requested $2.5 billion from Congress in emergency funding to address the COVID-19 pandemic.  At the end of the process, the bill came to $7.8 billion in emergency spending with the bulk of funding to Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control for state and local preparedness. It […]