Transportation News

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High-speed Amtrak train derails in Wash., dangles over highway

CBS reports that high-speed, southbound Amtrak Cascades train 501 derailed on an overpass this morning near DuPont in Washington state. At least one train car crashed down onto Interstate 5 and blocked all lanes of traffic. Authorities say that injuries and casualties have be [...]

CSX CEO E. Hunter Harrison dead at 73

CSX CEO E. Hunter Harrison, 73, has died just two days after CSX announced that he was going on medical leave due to complications from an illness. CSX’s chairman of the board of directors, Edward J. Kelly III said on behalf of the board: “With the passing of Hunt [...]

ACTION NEEDED: Tax bill takes away from unemployment fund

The Republican tax bill would result in millions of dollars in cuts to the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and take funds away from out-of-work employees. Tell your senators and representatives to VOTE NO. Next week, the House and Senate are expected to vote on a t [...]

OSHA: Working in the cold and preparing for winter weather

Winter weather presents hazards including slippery roads/surfaces, strong winds and environmental cold. Employers must prevent illnesses, injuries or fatalities, by controlling these hazards in workplaces impacted by winter weather. OSHA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric A [...]

SMART TD comments on DOT rulemaking process

Last week, the SMART Transportation Division National Legislative Office submitted comments to the Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking input on existing rules and other agency actions that are good candidates for repeal, replacement, suspension, or modification. In our [...]

Local treasurers: Workshop planned at TD office in February

A local treasurer workshop Feb. 21 to 23 will provide hands-on training on the responsibilities and duties pertaining to their office, including direct receipts, iLink and WinStabs. It will also focus on proper completion of monthly billings and member record maintenance. Thi [...]

Former Iowa SLD Crist died Nov. 7

Lawrence J. Crist, 91, died Nov. 7 at the Sioux City hospital in Sioux City, Iowa. Crist started his railroad career with the Illinois Central Railroad when he hired out as a brakeman and worked his way up to the position of conductor. A member of Local 493 in Waterloo, Iowa, [...]

Members helping each other: It’s what we do.

The recent storms in the Texas, the Gulf Coast and Florida and fires in California affected many of our SMART Brothers and Sisters. We should not forget that the recovery is still underway, and it will continue for a long time to come. While truly devastating, these combined [...]

2017 National Rail Agreement rate tables posted

The standard basic daily and mileage rates of pay negotiated under the new National Rail Agreement are now available on the SMART TD website. The rate tables pertain to employees in the crafts of conductor, yardman, yardmaster, brakeman and engineer who are covered by the nat [...]

RRB: Annuitants may need to increase tax withholding at 62

Certain portions of a railroad retirement annuity are treated differently for federal income tax purposes. The following questions and answers explain these differences and address the importance of individuals establishing accurate tax withholding from their annuities. Certa [...]