Many of us think of the SMART-TD’s Designated Legal Counsel as “The FELA guys” who come to our Local meetings. Members in Minnesota learned DLC does a lot more for our organization.
The recent two-person crew victory in the state didn’t magically happen. It took many people and many years to pull, push, and drag it over the finish line, says SMART-TD Minnesota State Legislative Director Nick Katich.
And Designated Legal Counsel law firm Hunegs, LeNeave, and Kvas played a major part by stepping up and making a major contribution, he said.
“We got our bills through House and Senate Transportation committees and the next stops were in Judiciary,” Katich said. “While railroaders can speak to why a two-person crew is necessary, it takes a lawyer to testify before Judiciary and be able to cite case law off the cuff.”
HLK had a representative who, in two separate hearings, volunteered his time, talent and vocation to the betterment of rail labor and a successful outcome for the bill.
“I fear we would not have made it out of committee,” said Katich. “We all owe a debt of gratitude.”
Please thank your DLC for all they do to support our Union, workplace safety, and worker rights.
Related News
- Report Blocked Crossings with New FRA Digital Tool
- LAST CALL: Submit Your Photos for 2026 Calendar Today!
- Heroic Act on the Rails: SMART-TD Brother Burned while Saving Crewmate
- Unions Join Together to Fix Overtime Tax Loophole for Transportation Workers
- Help Amtrak Conductor, Local 166 Member Get Back to Work
- CSX Trainee Death Exposes Glaring Safety Gaps
- Fewer Eyes Mean More Derailments
- Santa Monica Local Wins Cost of Living Increases
- Senate Hearing Indicates Trouble for Public Transportation
- REMINDER: Registration Open for Anaheim Regional Training Seminar