Regional Training Seminar Sets (Mile-High) Record in Denver

Denver, CO — June 2025

This week marks a major milestone in SMART-TD’s commitment to education, empowerment, and union solidarity as the Regional Training Seminar (RTS) in Denver, Colorado, sets a new attendance record. Over 300 brothers and sisters participated in our most impactful training event yet. 

From Local Necessity to National Impact 

What started with a handful of determined SMART-TD local unions five years ago has blossomed into a pillar of our union’s educational outreach. The RTS program was born from a simple but powerful idea: if locals couldn’t afford to send officers to attend a large annual training event, why not bring the education directly to them? 

Through trial, error, and constant feedback from our members, the RTS program has been honed and expanded. The curriculum is now widely recognized as an indispensable resource for local officers and emerging leaders.  

But don’t take our word for it: the proof is in the results. 

Education Drives Transformative Results 

Since the inception of the RTS, our union has seen a dramatic and notable increase in the win rate of appeals, a direct result of thoroughly prepared Local Chairpersons who are now better equipped to stand up for their members. That’s an easy metric to quantify, but the improvements don’t stop there. 

Our Presidents, Legislative Representatives (LRs) and Secretaries & Treasurers (S&Ts) are performing at a higher level than ever. Union reporting has become more timely and accurate, and the volume and quality of legislation SMART-TD drives at the state and local level has increased significantly. These gains stem from one core cause: the power of education. 

This is an idea that SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson emphasized during his address to attendees.  

“The success of our RTS education program is a direct reflection of our members’ commitment to each other. I’m immensely proud of every SMART-TD member who makes the effort to show up, sharpen their skills, and carry that knowledge back to their locals. This is how we win—not just in appeals or grievances, but in every arena of rail labor representation.” 

Denver’s Local 202 Leads from the Front 

Hosting this historic event was SMART-TD Local 202 out of Denver, which set a shining example of active participation. From the Local President, to the Secretary Treasurer, to Legislative Representatives and up-and-coming officers, Local 202 had representation in every training track. 

Local 202 members wore their union pride on their sleeves, literally, with custom-designed SMART-TD Local 202 shirts. It was easy to spot someone from Denver, who were always ready to help a fellow attendee. They lived up to the old railroad wisdom: “Be where the work is.” This week, the work was in Denver, and Local 202 was right in the thick of it. 

Building Momentum Across the Nation 

The word is out. The curriculum is stronger than ever. The results are visible and impressive. As interest and participation continues to grow, RTS becomes more than training: it’s a movement that is the envy of rail labor across the country. 

Our momentum is driven by our members who see that knowledge is more than power. It’s protection. It’s advocacy. It’s unity. 

Help us break more records, one training session at a time.  

If you haven’t attended an RTS yet, start planning now. We have two more regional training events in 2025. Registration is currently open for our next RTS in Anaheim, California, from September 8-11. The last one for the year will be held in Atlanta, GA from October 27-30.  

Stay tuned for 2026 dates and locations, where we will bring the tools, expertise, and solidarity to a region near you.