A Maryland bill designed to protect bus and passenger rail workers from violent assaults has officially passed both chambers of the state legislature and is now headed to the governor’s desk for signature. HB-1144 passed unanimously because of powerful union member testimonies, cross-union collaboration and the strategic coordination by Maryland’s new Safety & Legislative Director David Pendleton. Read on to learn more about Pendleton’s first legislative win and the benefits headed to our Maryland members.
Known for his fierce advocacy on the job, Andrew Wirth brought his determination into the ring. Wirth, the Chairperson of Local 1760, claimed the 168-pound Masters Amateur Division Title Saturday by defeating reigning champion Michael Pinto at Cleveland’s LaSalle Theatre.
General Chairman Rick Pauli announced his retirement after a 32-year career with the railroad. His care and contributions, including the largest-ever Amtrak wage increase and innumerable claims-related precedents, will benefit the union for years to come. He will always be our brother, and we wish him the very best in this next chapter of his life.
On Thursday, April 10, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that backed a federal judge’s order requiring the government to facilitate the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the United States. Read SMART General President Michael Coleman's statement in response.
The SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) expresses strong support for Brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a SMART union apprentice who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite legal protections and is now imprisoned in dangerous conditions. We are asking SMART-TD members and the public to support Kilmar and his family through donations and by raising awareness to demand his return.
Local 1687 bus Operators at Red Apple Transit in Farmington, NM have unanimously ratified a four-year agreement securing a 22.13% wage increase and major quality-of-life improvements, including expanded sick leave, more paid holidays, and a flexible bereavement policy. This landmark deal not only addresses employee retention issues but also sets new precedents that could influence transit union negotiations nationwide.
SMART-TD GO-769 General Chairperson Rick Pauli is pleased to announce that his General Committee has reached a tentative agreement (TA) on April 1, 2025, with the TransitAmerica Services, Inc. (TASI) Conductors and Assistant Conductors for its over 150 members in Northern California.
Following Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts’ decision to temporarily stay a federal district court order to return Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the United States by 11:59pm tonight, SMART General President Michael Coleman issued the following statement: “In court Fr [...]
Every SMART-TD member’s voice is important – make sure yours is heard when it matters most! Please verify your current contact information. With 2025 national negotiations underway, and many on property agreements also needing ratification, this is the time to make sure your vote gets counted. Read on to choose one of three easy ways to make sure your voice is heard.
Following an April 4, 2025, press conference regarding the deportation of SMART Local 100 apprentice Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, General President Michael Coleman issued the following statement: “The principle of due process is one of the fundamental values our nation is fo [...]
