SMART-TD Local 202 (Denver, Colo.) sister Tierney Gallegos started her journey as a union railroader just six years ago. But in that short time, she has emerged as a model of leadership, service and solidarity.
“Union leadership is a voluntary position, and not every position is filled with people determined to make a difference,” said Omar Ledesma, local chairperson and alternate safety and legislative representative in Colorado. “Sister Gallegos strives to make that difference. She wants people to know that railroaders still exist. We may not have the numbers we once had, but we are still present in our community and a leader among other unions.”
A conductor for BNSF Railway and the vice president of Local 202 in Denver, Colorado, Sister Gallegos also serves as the secretary of the Local Committee of Adjustment (LCA) for the yard, a role that she was elected to in 2022, and has quickly become an indispensable force.
She mobilized support for SMART-TD’s legislative priorities and broader labor initiatives. From state Senate and House hearings to street-level rallies, Gallegos ensures our members show up proud, powerful and ready to fight for positive change.
Union influence creates a community-wide benefit
Elected to her first four-year term as Vice President two years ago, Sister Gallegos hit the ground running. She assumed leadership of both the Charity Committee and the Ways and Means Committee, where she has redefined what it means to connect union strength with public good. Her efforts have brought Local 202 into collaboration with key organizations such as:
Toys for Tots
The Colorado Railroad Museum
SMART-TD Colorado Legislative Board
Women on the Tools Event
For the third consecutive year, she successfully organized Local 202’s support for the National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, forging a powerful partnership with the Bienvenidos Food Bank and a local post office to combat hunger and raise awareness. She has made it her mission to bring the message of SMART-TD into the broader community: if something needs to be fixed, the union will get organized and fix it.
Our values lead to a brighter future
Gallegos demonstrates what all SMART-TD members stand for: determination in the face of adversity, strength through unity, service to the community and a commitment to lifting one another when any of us has fallen. Her rise in prominence is a testament to her unshakeable dedication to these values. Great work, sister!
A collection of new crew room posters and flyers is available to help keep SMART-TD members informed and engaged. Printed flyers can be requested at no charge in various sizes — up to 11”x17”. Posters are laminated for use with dry-erase markers, making them easy to update and reuse. You also have the option to download and print them yourself. For more information, please reach out to your local officers.
If you’d like to request printed flyers or have an idea for a new addition, please reach out to SMART-TD Vice President James Sandoval at jsandoval@smart-union.org. You can also place an order yourself by filling out this form.
A collection of new crew room posters and flyers is available to help keep SMART-TD members informed and engaged. Printed flyers can be requested at no charge in various sizes — up to 11”x17”. Posters are laminated for use with dry-erase markers, making them easy to update and reuse. You also have the option to download and print them yourself. For more information, please reach out to your local officers.
If you’d like to request printed flyers or have an idea for a new addition, please reach out to SMART-TD Vice President James Sandoval at jsandoval@smart-union.org. You can also place an order yourself by filling out this form.
SMART-TD E-3 Committee responds to member requests
Members came to SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson with the idea of creating new flyers for union bulletin boards in crew rooms to share important information, and President Ferguson tasked the E-3 Committee with making that happen.
Launched in 2024, the E-3 Committee (which stands for empowerment, education and engagement) focuses on ways to help locals and keep members updated on important events, benefits and solidarity-building activities.
E-3 Committee members:
James Sandoval
Nicholas Greficz
Justin Schrock
Charles (Buddy) Piland
Hilary (Bill) Manoski
William (WW) Jackson
Matt Pietrzak
Knowledge is power, on and offline
Not all members are tech-savvy or avid social media users, and those who are among those groups made it clear that they prefer notices that are posted on bulletin boards.
Sandoval pointed out how this is proof that members’ ideas are incredibly valuable, since the idea is now being put into action.
“We found that a lot of our members weren’t aware of events and the value-added aspects that SMART-TD provides, including the Discipline Income Protection Plan (DIPP) and voluntary short and long-term disability insurance,” said Sandoval. “Some of the bulletin boards in the crew rooms hadn’t been updated in [over 20] years, and we were committed to fixing that.”
Flyers fill the gaps
Focused on important educational material, such as union “just cause” protections, the flyers also feature QR codes that take users directly to various SMART-TD-provided benefits.
“These QR codes encourage engagement amongst all of our brothers and sisters,” explained Sandoval. “With a simple tap on their smartphone, tablet or other device, our members have access to valuable information and benefits provided by their union at their fingertips.”
Many members also voiced concerns that they did not know where or when their local meetings took place, or who their local officers were if they had a problem.
The new flyers ensure that all members have access to these details, even if they don’t carry a smartphone or follow their local on social media.
Empowerment, education, engagement
The three-pronged approach of empowerment, education and engagement is crucial in the quest to build SMART-TD’s collective power. And the E-3 Committee is committed to pursuing that approach in the future, near and far.
“This committee is dedicated to strengthening our union by equipping our members with the tools to advocate for their rights,” said Sandoval. “Through fostering continuous learning and development and promoting active participation, we can forge a stronger union family capable of driving positive change.”
In May, SMART-TD Local 854 teamed up with the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 970 for a charity golf tournament. The two unions helped raise money for PORTCO, Inc., a Virginia nonprofit that helps veterans and people with disabilities find employment opportunities.
After more than four years of tireless effort and advocacy, SMART-TD announced the successful passage of the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act in December 2024, with President Biden signing the bill into law in January 2025. This historic legislation permanently exempts Railroad Unemployment Insurance Benefits from sequestration, ending a 5.7% reduction that railroaders have unfairly borne for years. In simple terms, this bill ends the outdated tax of $50 every two weeks on railroaders drawing unemployment benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).
The REEF Act rights a longstanding wrong that has disproportionately impacted railroad workers, particularly those who find themselves furloughed or medically unable to work. These workers, many of whom already face significant financial hardship when transitioning from regular railroad wages to the modest $450 every two weeks provided by the RRB, were subjected to sequestration that further reduced this already limited benefit.
“For most Americans, a $50 cut may seem insignificant, but to a railroader relying on a fixed benefit, it’s a financial crisis,” said SMART-TD National Safety and Legislative Director Greg Hynes. “After years of fighting this injustice, the REEF Act’s passage is proof that persistence pays off. The work we’ve done on Capitol Hill to secure this victory is worth every ounce of effort and all the shoe leather we left on the steps of the House and Senate buildings.”
The process to get this bill over the line was not easy. It took consistent advocacy, relentless lobbying and cooperation across political parties. SMART-TD’s Hynes and Jared Cassity, who collectively bring decades of experience from BNSF and CSX, respectively, led the charge, ensuring that Congress understood the gravity of the situation faced by railroad workers.
“We understand the struggle because we’ve lived it. We know how much that small cut impacts an out-of-work railroader’s ability to make ends meet,” said Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director Cassity. “This legislation is a direct result of the tireless advocacy of our members, who took the time to speak out, engage with lawmakers and apply pressure at every step
Cassity continued: “Railroad workers not only sell their labor, they sacrifice more than most to care for themselves and their families. It is through their hard work and efforts that railroad retirement is funded, which is why it is so rewarding to see the senseless reductions from sequestration finally lifted. In this process of advocating for REEF, our brothers and sisters have proven that they are willing to stand in solidarity to put up a fight. I couldn’t be prouder of our members for their tenacity to win back not just what was earned — but what is deserved.”
The REEF Act’s passage is a powerful reminder of what is possible when unions, lawmakers and working people come together to fight for fairness. Cassity and Hynes extended their deepest thanks, on behalf of SMART-TD, to all of the sponsors and cosponsors who supported this bill, as well as the thousands of TD members who stood united throughout the process.
“SMART-TD members have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us every step of the way, from rallies to calls to congressional offices. This victory belongs to every one of our members who answered the call and fought to make sure their voices were heard,” said Hynes. “It is because of their engagement, their commitment and their perseverance that we’ve been able to secure this long-overdue relief.”
It’s December of 2022, and a hearing is taking place in Washington, DC, on the FRA’s two-person crew rule.
As the hearing room fills, one of the attorneys for the railroad stops cold in her tracks. She spots SMART-TD’s General Counsel Kevin Brodar and knows that she’s in for a fight.
That’s the kind of reputation that Brodar earned throughout his professional life: a steadfast champion of the labor movement who stood tall in the courtroom to defend SMART-TD members and protect their rights.
After a legal career spanning nearly four decades, Brodar retired at the end of 2024.
“It’s a little bittersweet, because you work with people and then you develop a bond and it’s more than just a working relationship. It’s a friendship,” Brodar said.
Long road to a labor legal career
After graduating from Duquesne University, Brodar moved across the country to attend law school at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, and initially wanted to be a public defender.
But after his first year of law school, he wasn’t sure that was the path he wanted to pursue.
As he sat in class listening to lectures about real property law, Brodar worried that he made a mistake.
“I’m listening to this and I’m thinking, ‘This is nothing like what I thought it was going to be,’” he remembered.
Once he started his second year of law school, Brodar had the opportunity to choose some electives. One option that caught his attention: labor law.
“That real property class was so Greek,” Brodar said. “This [labor law course] was like everything I knew.”
Growing up in a heavily industrialized section of Pittsburgh, Brodar estimates that 90% of the people in his community were blue-collar workers. By his best guess, 90% of that group were also union members.
His father, brother and an uncle all worked on the railroad, so it wasn’t surprising that Brodar was drawn to practicing labor law.
Earning the highest grade in his class didn’t hurt either.
“That first semester, second year, I was like, ‘Bam! This is it,’” Brodar said.
From the NLRB to SMART-TD, Brodar makes an impact
After receiving his Master of Laws (LLM) with a concentration in Labor Law from Georgetown University and beginning his career with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Brodar was hired by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLET) in 1989 before being approached by the United Transportation Union (UTU) in 1991 to join the organization as a full-time litigator.
After that, he never looked back. Whether it was making an impact through several cases of first impression, litigating in federal district and appellate courts all over the country, or ensuring that SMART-TD members received historic raises and saw no major changes to healthcare during the last round of national negotiations, Brodar never let his professional accomplishments overshadow why he wanted to practice labor law.
“Being a litigator wasn’t the be all and end all of everything,” Brodar said. “It was working for a cause, and that’s why you work on this side of the fence. That’s kind of what drove me all these years: that you’re working for something greater than yourself.”
SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson thanks Brodar for his many years of standing up for workers at his recent retirement celebration.
“From his first day as counsel for the UTU to his instrumental role in shaping the victories of SMART-TD, Kevin has been the ultimate protector of our members,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “Since I stepped into my role aspPresident in 2019, I’ve been fortunate to rely on Kevin’s knowledge and experience in some of our union’s most difficult fights. Kevin’s legacy is one of dedication and unmatched service to the labor movement, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
SMART-TD Vice President and International Representative Brent Leonard agreed.
“He really does care about the organization,” said Leonard. “Not just the people he works with, but also the members we represent.”
Looking to the future
Stepping up to fill Brodar’s role is Erika Diehl-Gibbons, who was previously associate general counsel at SMART-TD.
Leonard believes that there’s no one who’s better prepared for the job.
“We’re excited to have Erika coming in and filling the role,” Leonard said. “She’s been with us for a long time, and she’s going to be a fantastic general counsel. I know she looks at Kevin as a mentor, and I know he’s mentored her to carry the torch.”
As Brodar wrapped up his lengthy legal career, he said that he’s hopeful he was simply able to make an impact.
“It really has been a blessing to be able to have this job,” Brodar reflected. “It’s something that’s provided a lot of fulfillment that I’ve been able to help people, which was my whole goal.”
On January 24, 2025, SMART-TD announced the passing of our beloved union brother, Dan Bonawitz. Dan’s unwavering dedication to his fellow workers, his passion for justice and his tireless advocacy for safety and equality left an indelible mark on the SMART-TD community.
A member of Local 1409 in Kansas City, Kansas, Dan joined SMART-TD in 2006. For nearly two decades he embodied what it means to be a committed, compassionate and fearless union member.
“Dan was a warrior for our brothers and sisters in every sense of the word,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “His selflessness, his work ethic and his commitment to doing what was right are unmatched. Dan was a good friend and brother to us all who dedicated countless hours to the benefit of our members. He was a true brother, and his loss leaves a hole in our hearts and this labor organization. We are all better for having known him, and his legacy will live on in the union he helped build.”
One of Dan’s most notable contributions was his involvement with SMART-TD’s National Safety Team. As a charter member, Dan was regularly called to the scene of major railroad accidents, where his deep knowledge of the rail industry and his practical, no-nonsense approach were invaluable. Even after 12-hour shifts at Union Pacific, Dan was always ready to jump in the car and head to an accident site to ensure that the investigation was fair and thorough. His presence at these sites was a beacon of support for our members, ensuring that management and regulators didn’t take the easy way out and blame the crew.
Dan was a passionate advocate for proper training and education within the industry. Recognizing a gap in hazardous materials training, Dan became a qualified hazmat instructor, offering his expertise to ensure that our members were well-prepared to handle dangerous situations. His work with the Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program in Houston, Texas, is just one example of how he gave selflessly of his time to help others.
“Dan didn’t just teach safety—he lived it,” said Jared Cassity Chair of SMART-TD’s National Safety team, who worked alongside Dan in the legislative arena as well as the safety team. “Dan Bonawitz was one of the most dedicated union members I have ever known. His passion and love for his fellow workers was second to none. I have never encountered someone with more dedication or a stronger commitment to ensuring the safety of rail workers than Brother Bonawitz. His willingness to sacrifice his time and his resources to help those in need, and to do it in a way that shined on his union rather than himself, is remarkable. I will miss his presence as an assistant director on our National Safety Team, but I will miss his companionship most. I am grateful for Dan’s contributions, but I am most thankful to have had the opportunity to be his friend. He will be missed.”
Dan was also deeply committed to making SMART-TD a more inclusive and diverse organization. He was a founding member of the union’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in 2022, where he worked tirelessly to ensure that every member, regardless of their background, had a voice and was treated with respect. He lived by the principle that if you are a worker, you are his brother or sister, and he treated everyone as family.
“He’s always going to fight for your rights.” said Chad Yokoyama, Chairperson of SMART-TD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. “People might think that our international union doesn’t fight for them, but Dan was a prime example of the way it’s supposed to be done. Whether it put a target on his back or not, he’s going to fight for you, and I think will be his legacy.”
Dan’s efforts weren’t limited to the workplace. He was an advocate for veterans and always found time to support the community. In 2023, Dan was named SMART-TD’s Joseph J. Nigro SMART Army Member of the Year for his efforts to honor and serve military veterans. Leading a group of SMART-TD members, he organized a community outreach project to ensure that veterans’ gravesites were properly recognized, purchasing and placing U.S. flags at local veteran cemeteries in the Kansas City area.
“Dan demonstrated his unwavering commitment to both his fellow workers and the veterans who served our country,” said Jared Cassity. “He always found a way to serve others, whether it was through his work on the National Safety Team, his legislative work, or his outreach to veterans. His heart was as big as his passion for this union.”
Dan’s leadership extended to his work as a Delegate and Legislative Representative for Local 1409, where his presence was felt at both the SMART-TD conventions and the statehouse in Topeka. He wasn’t afraid to stand up and fight for the issues that mattered to his brothers and sisters, no matter the challenge. National Safety and Legislative Department Director, Greg Hynes said of Bonawitz, “Dan was among the best at working with legislators, but then again, he was one hell of a safety instructor and organizer, too. He was a true soldier for this union and got the job done no matter what the need was.”
“Dan’s ability to advocate for our men and women was unparalleled,” said Ty Dragoo, Kansas Legislative Director & Chairman of the SMART Kansas Legislative Board. “His energy, his passion and his dedication to our cause were an inspiration to all of us. Dan never backed down from a fight that needed fought.” Dragoo echoed the praise of Brother Hynes saying Bonawitz was at the top as far as political engagement, organizing, training, and he was an even better friend and trusted counsel. “When I called him with a problem, he answered the bell because our members needed him to. He really was a force of nature!”
As we grieve his loss, we celebrate the life of a true union brother. One who gave everything for his family, this union and his country.
We extend our deepest condolences to Dan’s family, friends and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
After 44 years spent as a proud union sheet metal worker, local officer and International organizer, Local 73 (Chicago, Ill.) member Anthony “Tony” Scavone retired on December 31, 2024. In addition to his years with the tools, Scavone served for 11 years as a Local 73 organizer and business representative, and worked for 17 years as both an International organizer and regional organizing director.
Scavone, furthest left, pictured hand billing with Regional Organizing Director Manny Gonzalez (furthest right)
Scavone’s tireless efforts and leadership changed the lives of countless workers in Chicagoland and across our nation. Throughout his tenure, he was instrumental in numerous organizing campaigns across the United States, contributing significantly to the growth and strength of our union. And as a mentor, Scavone shared his extensive knowledge of organizing tactics with both International and local union organizers, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of SMART leaders.
His approachable nature and unwavering commitment to the labor movement made him a trusted advisor and friend to many. Known for his quick wit and an ability to connect with anyone he met, Scavone exemplified solidarity and unity.
“It has been a truly rewarding career, and I am deeply honored to have served our membership, contributed to the growth of our organization and supported the broader labor movement,” he said when announcing his retirement. “Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.”
Dan Chacon dedicated more than 14 years of service to the SMART International Association as an International organizer, a position in which he served from April 2010 until his retirement on December 31, 2024.
Chacon’s leadership started at the local union level; he served as a business representative for Local 359 in Arizona, where he demonstrated steadfast devotion to advancing the rights and opportunities of members.
He brought those same principles to his work at the International. Throughout his tenure, Chacon played a pivotal role in supporting local unions with their organizing efforts, particularly in the southwestern United States. His deep understanding of the region and commitment to strengthening SMART made him a trusted resource and invaluable partner to local leadership.
Respected for his professionalism, integrity and kindness, Chacon’s calm demeanor and genuine care for others have left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him. His legacy is one of leadership, humility and a steadfast commitment to the labor movement, and his presence as an International staff member will be deeply missed — as both a colleague and a friend.
December 31, 2024, also marked the retirement of Warren May, SMART’s controller since July 2019. His departure marks the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in our organization’s history; one that bolstered our union’s financial strength and forged a strong foundation for future generations.
May addresses delegates to the Third SMART General Convention
Throughout his tenure, May embodied kindness, professionalism and unwavering calm. His structured approach to every challenge ensured stability and consistency in our financial operations, even during times of uncertainty. With a keen head for numbers and a strategic mindset, he played a pivotal role in guiding our organization toward financial resilience and growth.
As a leader, May set a standard of excellence that will continue to inspire us. His thoughtful guidance, combined with his ability to foster a collaborative and respectful work environment, left a lasting impact on our entire union.
“I know that you aren’t a sheet metal worker, a roofer, a railroader, a bus operator or a transit operator by trade, but you are truly one of us, and you’re part of our family,” General President Michael Coleman told May during the Third SMART General Convention last summer.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve this great International,” May said.
Hundreds of railroaders, along with friends, family and labor supporters, gathered at Boston’s historic South Station in October to rally for fair wages, sick leave, maternity days and other essential benefits.
The event was coordinated by a coalition of rail labor organizations, including SMART-TD, the AFL-CIO, IAM, ATDA, BRS, TCU and IBEW. Workers and allies confronted Keolis, the French-owned passenger rail operator of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which has neglected negotiations since the previous contract expired July 1, 2022.
The rally featured passionate speeches from local Boston elected officials, four members of Congress and representatives from multiple rail unions.
SMART-TD was represented by Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director Jared Cassity, who emphasized the importance of solidarity among the unions.
“Today is our day. Now is the time to get the contract you all deserve!” Cassity declared. “It does not matter if you are an engineer. It does not matter if you are a conductor, if you’re a signalman, a dispatcher, a track worker; whatever the issues are, they are OUR issues. And the only way we fix them is when we stand together, and we fight together!”
Keolis has been accused of failing to bargain in good faith with SMART-TD and the other unions representing their workforce. As Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley pointed out in her speech, Keolis workers are paid 12% less, on average, than their counterparts on Amtrak to move the same passengers in Massachusetts.
Congressman Steve Lynch added that Keolis is contracted out by MBTA to run the commuter rail system in Boston, and the company’s contract is coming up for bid. He made it clear that if Keolis doesn’t come to the table and get serious about retaining the frontline workers who keep Boston trains running safely and on time, it will be replaced by a contractor that will.
More than 50 SMART-TD members attended the Oct. 23 rally, as well as brothers and sisters from SMART Local 17 and the Northeast Regional Council. The overwhelming message was clear: Workers will continue to fight for a fair agreement until they have a new contract.
Members of Local 17, including SMART NERC Regional Manager and General Vice President Robert Butler, showed their support at the rally.
“We showed Keolis that workers, riders, our congressional delegation and the whole Massachusetts labor movement is behind us in our fight for a fair contract,” said New England Safety & Legislative Director Dave Stevenson.
