“Our solidarity does not have borders. We are all in this fight together. It’s one fight. So let’s fight for what matters … our members.” That quote, delivered by SMART General President Michael Coleman, summed up day one of the 2025 SMART Leadership Conference.
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s merger announcement on July 29 means that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) will begin a lengthy approval process that can last for years. Read on to learn about some of the key steps, including how the public can get involved.
A short documentary by independent filmmaker John Russell and the non-profit newsroom More Perfect Union exposes how corporate cost-cutting and regulatory failures led to the Norfolk Southern derailment disaster, emphasizing the deadly consequences of sidelining frontline railroaders. Watch "We Went Back to East Palestine: It’s Worse Than You Think" and see how it underscores SMART TD’s ongoing fight for stronger rail safety laws.
This morning, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern confirmed a proposed merger. Read on for SMART-TD's full statement on what this means for rail workers, safety, and the overall well-being of the freight rail industry.
Steve Forbes used his publication to attack SMART-TD and our hard-won federal Two-Person Crew (2PC) Rule. He’s pushing the usual agenda for short-term profits over reasonable service or basic human safety. Read on to see SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson’s no-holds-barred demand for accountability. Since Forbes won’t publish it, we’re taking it straight to the American people.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has rolled out a new tool that makes it easy to report blocked railroad crossings and analyze the impact they have on communities. Read on to find out what information is being collected and how you can use the Incident Reporter.
You only have one month left to submit your photos for SMART-TD’S 2026 calendar! Don’t forget to look over this helpful guide of tips and reminders before you send us your images. We look forward to seeing your submissions!
SMART-TD member John Hedgepeth suffered third-degree burns and broken ribs while saving his engineer’s life during a Norfolk Southern derailment in Indiana. Now Hedgepeth, a U.S. Marine veteran, needs our help. If you can, please pitch in to support Brother Hedgepeth and his family by contributing to the fundraiser organized by Local 490.
Railroad and transportation unions are turning up the heat on Congress to fix a mistake in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that’s cheating SMART-TD members out of big overtime tax breaks. In a powerful joint letter, unions demand a fix so every rail worker who puts in long hours gets the money and respect they deserve.
Brother Alfred Stinnett (Local 166, Salt Lake City) has been unable to work since January after tearing his shoulder and undergoing two surgeries. Read on to learn how you can help as he continues his physical therapy to get back on the job.
