Not many who belong to SMART-TD can say that they’ve been a member for 50 years, but Brother Robert “RC” Hailes (Local 854, Portsmouth, Va.) is one of the few who can claim that honor.
To celebrate this major milestone, the Norfolk & Portsmouth Beltline Railroad (NPBL) changed the name of a rail yard in Portsmouth to “Hailes Yard” to recognize his five decades of service.
Brother Hailes has worked on the NPBL Railroad for his entire career, starting out as a brakeman before moving into the role of conductor. He currently works as a Yardmaster and, according to Virginia State Safety & Legislative Director Ronnie Hobbs, has no plans to retire any time soon.
SLD Hobbs says that RC shows exemplary leadership qualities to SMART-TD members in both the Commonwealth and across the country.
Congratulations, Brother Hailes! Thank you for dedicating half a century of service to our union!
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