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Members who plan on attending the upcoming Baltimore Regional Training Seminar (RTS) at the end of August and have not booked their hotel room now have until Friday, August 7 to lock in the discounted rate.

Discounted rooms are only available while supplies last, so please don’t delay and finalize your hotel reservation today.

Reserve Your Room at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor ►

Please note: You are responsible for making your hotel reservations. 

As a reminder, registration for the Baltimore RTS closes on August 17, 2026, and there will be no onsite registration available. Late registration is subject to an additional $50 late fee.

Register for the Baltimore RTS ►

For a detailed meeting agenda, please visit the Meetings page via the SMART Union mobile app. You can also use the app to register for the RTS by selecting “Meetings” from the drop-down menu.

Please contact Nick Torres in the SMART-TD office at 216-227-5269 or by email at ntorres@smart-union.org if you have any registration questions.

We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore soon!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2026 —INDEPENDENCE, OH

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) applauds today’s action by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) to advance critical legislation that benefits our railroad members and retirees.

Approved by a unanimous vote, the bipartisan Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Stability Act of 2026 (S.4965) makes important changes that allow the RRB to better serve rail workers and their families, including modernizing the agency’s outdated processing systems and bringing the RRB’s administrative funding in-line with its self-sustaining financing and benefit structure that’s paid for through payroll taxes on rail workers and employers.

Despite its self-sustaining financing, the RRB still must compete with other government agencies for administrative funding from Congress. Because of this field offices around the county have been forced to close in recent years due to funding issues and delays in processing benefits.

The RRB Stability Act addresses some of these issues by:

  • Switching to a system that ensures predictable spending levels and solvency for the railroad retirement system while still maintaining Congressional oversight of the RRB’S administration.
  • Dedicated funding in the first five years to assist with the RRB’s transition to a new, more efficient operating system, helping to clear the growing backlog of claims that’s left some workers waiting 18 months to receive their benefits.

SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson praised the legislation as an important step forward for both current and future railroaders that will ensure a stable Railroad Retirement system for years to come.

“Railroad Retirement isn’t just a promise made to workers. It’s the foundation that has helped make railroad careers among the strongest blue-collar jobs in America,” he said. “Protecting that stability helps recruit the next generation, retain experienced employees, maintain the skilled workforce that keeps freight and passengers moving safely across the country, and deliver the benefits necessary to the men and women who have kept this country moving, no matter the cost. A stable Railroad Retirement system supports a stable railroad workforce, and by extension, a stable national supply chain. That’s why this bipartisan legislation makes sense for workers, railroads, shippers, and every American who depends on a strong transportation network. I thank Senators Cassidy and Sanders for their dedication and leadership on this critical piece of legislation, and our National Legislative Office, Brothers Jared Cassity and Don Roach, for their work on the Hill.”

SMART-TD is pleased that this pivotal bill cleared this important legislative hurdle today. However, we won’t be satisfied on this front until it reaches the President’s desk for signature. We will continue to be vigilant through the rest of the process.

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For more information or to connect with SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson or a member of his leadership team, please contact:
Dan Banks 
dbanks@smart-union.org 
(216) 227-5283 (Office) 
(330) 322-5949 (Cell)

Alyssa Hansen 
alyssa.hansen@smart-union.org 

SMART-TD joins the members of Local 1545 (Monroe, La.) in celebrating the retirement of Local Chairperson Michael Bullock!

A conductor off of Union Pacific, Brother Bullock officially retired on June 30, 2026, after nearly 20 years of membership.

Before serving as the Local Chairperson of LCA 569, Brother Bullock previously served as the LCA’s vice local chairperson.

At Local 1545’s regular business meeting on Tuesday, July 21, the membership celebrated Brother Bullock’s recent retirement and his many years of service as a conductor and to our union.

Louisiana State Safety & Legislative Director Chris Christianson, also a member of Local 1545, thanked Brother Bullock for exemplifying what a union member should be.

“Brother Bullock is the true definition of brotherhood,” said SLD Christianson. “He has faithfully represented his brothers and sisters and served this organization with the utmost dedication, integrity, and respect. His leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact, and he will be greatly missed.”

Congratulations on your well-earned and well-deserved retirement, Brother Bullock!

Brother Bullock, SLD Christianson, and members of Local 1545 during the recent retirement celebration.

Thanks to the leadership of SMART-TD’s New England Safety & Legislative Board, any train or light engine carrying freight that’s traveling throughout Rhode Island is now required to have a minimum two-person crew (2-PC)!

On July 23, 2026, Governor Dan McKee signed H7608/S2913 into law, and our union was there for this important moment.

This latest victory comes just three months after Virginia’s governor signed a 2-PC law that was also driven by SMART-TD members.

Bus & Transit Assault Prevention & Safety (BTAPS) Committee Chair Cole Czub (far left), New England Safety & Legislative Director Dave Stevenson (second from right), Assistant New England Safety & Legislative Director Chris Tyrell (far right)

Rhode Island Governor Calls Bill a “Common Sense” Measure

In remarks after the signing, Governor McKee reiterated what we already know: having two crew members on a train is a commonsense safety measure.

“If an issue arises on a delivery route, you need two crew members on board—one to operate the train and a second person to address the problem,” he said.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signs 2-PC into law.

Passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, the legislation also imposes a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense, up to $5,000 for a second offense committed within three years, and up to $10,000 for a third offense for any individuals or businesses or violate the law.

Passage Was a Collaborative Effort Led by SMART-TD

As New England Safety & Legislative Director Dave Stevenson explained, it took many late nights at the Rhode Island State House to get the legislation over the finish line and signed into law.

Assistant New England Safety & Legislative Director Chris Tyrell and Bus & Transit Assault Prevention & Safety (BTAPS) Committee Chair Cole Czub were critical in making that happen.

“It was really a group effort to get 2-PC on the books in Rhode Island, and I want to thank Brothers Tyrell and Czub for all of their dedicated work,” he said. “Just like they always do, they show up and get things done, especially when it comes to safety-focused legislation.”

SLD Stevenson also applauded Representative Matthew Dawson (D-East Providence) and Senator Lammis Vargas (D-Cranston, Providence) for their leadership in sponsoring the bill and guiding it through the legislative process.

SMART-TD was in attendance for this historic signing (pictured with the bill’s sponsors)

He also gave special recognition to the SMART-TD officers, members, and SMART-MD who turned out in full force to make sure that labor and our union were well-represented at the signing. He also extended thanks to the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, including President Pat Crowely and Legislative Director Erica Hammond for their collaboration.

“We are proud to play a part in the passage of a two-person crew requirement in Rhode Island,” he said. “This is a measure that will preserve the integrity and the safety of freight services for years to come.”

Congratulations to our brothers and sisters in Rhode Island for becoming the latest state to ensure that 2-PC is the law of the land!

Nearly all of us know what Medicare is, but how much do you know about Railroad Medicare?

When Medicare was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965, coverage was available for qualified Social Security and railroad retirement beneficiaries.

Not long after, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) collaborated with Medicare to create a dedicated Part B claims program specifically focused on railroad beneficiaries, including its own call center.

40 years after the first Railroad Medicare claims were processed, the program continues to serve our retired rail members across the country.

Who Qualifies for Railroad Medicare

The following groups are eligible for Railroad Medicare…

  • Railroad retirement beneficiaries who are 65 or older
  • Individuals of any age with end-stage renal disease (receiving maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant)
  • Disabled beneficiaries under age 65 who have received RRB disability benefits for 24 months
  • Individuals with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) under age 65, who receive Medicare beginning the first month that they receive disability benefits

Family members of railroad retirement annuitants may qualify for Railroad Medicare in certain situations.

Please be aware: even though some railroad employees qualify for full RRB retirement at age 60, Medicare eligibility still begins at age 65.

If you are already receiving railroad retirement or Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. If you’re not receiving benefits, set a reminder to contact the RRB a few months before your 65th birthday, even if you’re not planning to retire.

A late enrollment penalty may apply if you choose to decline Part B, unless you have qualifying coverage through your current employer, your spouse’s employer, or a retiree plan.

What’s Covered by Railroad Medicare?

Coverage and provider requirements under Railroad Medicare Part B are the same as “regular” Medicare Part B.

This includes medically necessary and preventive services from physicians and non-physicians, including but not limited to nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinic psychologists. Ambulance services and diagnostic testing facilities also bill Part B.

Whether you’re a new hire or are getting close to retirement, learn more about how to take advantage of these benefits.  ►

You’ve worked hard and paid into programs designed to help you after you retire…be sure to use them!

Together with the members of Local 0002 (Toledo, Ohio), SMART-TD mourns the loss of Brother Scott Shoemaker, who was killed on duty on July 9, 2026.

A conductor off Norfolk Southern for 22 years, Brother Shoemaker was 67 years old.

All who were touched by Scott’s life are welcome to join his family this Sunday, July 19 at Eggleston-Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home (440 S. Coy Road, Oregon, Ohio) from 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and again on Monday, July 20 at 10:00 a.m. before the funeral service begins at 12:00 p.m.

A Beloved Family Man and Proud Railroader

While we are limited as to what we can say about the circumstances that claimed Brother Shoemaker’s life due to the ongoing NTSB investigation, we can talk about the beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and union member that he was.

A Toledo native who was easy to spot thanks to his towering 6’8” frame, Scott originally worked for Seaway Foodtown, Inc. for 25 years before its closure in the early 2000s. After that, he made a major pivot and began his journey as a railroader, traveling to cities from Chicago, Ill. to Harrisburg, Pa.

Brother Shoemaker was deeply proud of his work and the ability that it gave him to provide a good life for his family, including his wife, Carole, and children, Melissa and Joshua.

He was fondly known as a “gentle giant” with a hearty laugh who spoke to others with genuine kindness.

Beyond the rails, Scott could usually be found cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and (by default, thanks to his family) the Cincinnati Reds. He and his wife were avid National Parks’ fans, visiting the Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park.

Brother Shoemaker is survived by his wife and children, three brothers, and many extended family members and friends.

As his loved ones mourn this devastating loss and carry on his legacy, SMART-TD extends our sympathies to all those who were fortunate enough to know Scott.

Rest in peace, Brother Shoemaker, and thank you for being the kind of spouse, parent, and railroader that we should all aspire to be.

In response to an emergency motion filed by CSXT, on July 15, 2026, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division, entered a Temporary Restraining Order (“TRO”) in CSX Transportation, Inc. v. SMART-TD, Case No. 3:26-cv-01795-WWB-SJH. The Court directed “SMART-TD and its national and local officers to immediately initiate and undertake all reasonable efforts to prevent and discourage SMART-TD’s divisions, lodges, locals, officers, agents, employees, members, and all persons acting in concert with any of them from engaging in conduct prohibited by the TRO,” including by posting and distributing this notice.

Although SMART-TD is not aware of any activity having occurred to date, the TRO enjoins “SMART-TD, its divisions, lodges, locals, officers, agents, employees, members, and all persons acting in concert or participation with any of them from authorizing, encouraging, permitting, calling, engaging in, or continuing any strike, work stoppage, picketing, slowdown, sickout, or other self-help against CSX Transportation, Inc. or its operating rail subsidiaries over any dispute relating to the interpretation of CSXT’s Attendance Policy or other aspects of System Notice 502.”

Pursuant to the Court’s Order, any SMART-TD member who is engaging in, or who may in the future engage in, any conduct enjoined by the Court’s Order and TRO must immediately cease and desist all such activity and must immediately cease and desist all exhortations or communications encouraging same upon pain of fine, suspension, or other sanction by SMART-TD. Additional information can be found in the Court’s complete Order and TRO below.

018 – 7.15.2026 – ORDER GRANTING TRODownload

If you plan on attending the upcoming Baltimore Regional Training Seminar (RTS) at the end of August, you have one month left to finalize your registration.

Space in some of the training tracks is limited and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Online registration is required!

Register for the Baltimore RTS ►    

As a reminder, registration closes on August 17, 2026, and there will be no onsite registration available. Late registration is subject to an additional $50 late fee.

We also encourage you to book your room NOW before the July 31 deadline. Discounted rooms are only available while supplies last.

You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations.

What You Need to Know Before You Go 

The Baltimore Regional Training Seminar (RTS) begins with your arrival on Monday, August 31, 2026, with an evening Welcome Reception at 6:00 pm in the B&O Railroad Museum The training will cover topics such as local governance, the roles and responsibilities of local presidents, secretaries, treasurers, legislative representatives, and local chairpersons in member advocacy, an overview of the SMART Constitution, and other key subjects.    

  • Location: Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor    
  • Dates: August 31-September 3, 2026 (S&T: August 31-September 4) 
  • Room Rate: $189/night   
  • Registration Fee: $75 

As we announced last week, the Baltimore RTS will also feature an Assault Prevention Training that’s primarily geared towards SMART-TD’s bus and passenger rail members.

Led by leadership from SMART-TD’s Bus & Transit Assault Prevention & Safety (BTAPS) Committee, attendees will discuss what constitutes unruly behavior, building rapport with passengers early on, and what to do if a violent incident occurs, including how to document it and report it to the BTAPS Committee.

Finalize Your Registration Today! 

Register for the Baltimore RTS ►    
Book Your Hotel Reservation ►

For a detailed meeting agenda, please visit the Meetings page via the SMART Union mobile app. You can also use the app to register for the RTS by selecting “Meetings” from the drop-down menu.

Please contact Nick Torres in the SMART-TD office at 216-227-5269 or by email at ntorres@smart-union.org if you have any registration questions.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to attend our last RTS of 2026! 

With a unanimous vote, the members of SMART-TD Local 1590 (Van Nuys, Calif.) have ratified a contract with WeDriveU!

Covering bus operators and dispatchers, the agreement includes…

  • An immediate, significant hourly wage increase
  • Just Cause job protections
  • Union Orientation for new hires
  • The ability to wear union insignia at work

Ratification Comes After Years of Unexpected Detours on the Road to a Contract

Negotiations are rarely ever considered “easy,” but Local 1590 had a particularly long, hard-fought journey before reaching its recent milestone that demanded years of perseverance.

Originally, the members were employed by Coach USA in California and bounced between a few other properties before eventually ending up at another company called Four Seasons.

Instead of coming to the bargaining table to negotiate a contract once they took over, Four Seasons simply chose not to recognize the workers as a bargaining unit after realizing that they were organized.

By this point, Local 1590 was simply working off its old, original agreement with Coach USA from several years before.

That’s when SMART-TD leadership got involved and things took an interesting turn.

Close, But No Contract for Local 1590

After Four Seasons started playing games, SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval and former General Chairperson of GCA-Coach-Pacific Coast (878) Travis Johnson took the situation to the National Labor Relations Board whose decision was straightforward: Four Seasons had to recognize Local 1590, start bargaining a new contract, and post a notice to all employees that they will not interfere with their union protections and bargain in good faith. The company agreed and said that it would follow through with the requirements the Board had given it.

With the decision handed down, VP Sandoval and GC Johnson immediately got to work negotiating a new contract that would replace the old, outdated one.

But after a few months of negotiations with Four Seasons, they were blindsided.

The property was abruptly sold to what was now a fourth company and the significant progress that had been made towards securing a contract was thrown into limbo.

Four Seasons tried to cover up the flyers that they were required to post and thought SMART-TD wouldn’t notice…we did!

Years of Dedication, Persistence Eventually Pay Off with WeDriveU

Through years of uncertainty and anti-union sentiment from each of the various companies, Local 1590 finally won the contract it deserved with WeDriveU thanks to the tenacity and determination of VP Sandoval and GC Johnson.

It would have been easier to simply throw in the towel over the course of this multi-year fight, but VP Sandoval notes that GC Johnson refused to let that happen.

“Most people or unions would have given up somewhere along the way, but Travis and Local 1590 did the exact opposite,” said VP Sandoval. “Every member of this group deserves credit for knowing what they wanted and that it was worth fighting for. Travis made sure that everyone stuck together, and it paid off.”

Local 1590’s vote is personal for VP Sandoval: it’s his first unanimous ratification vote.

“This is a great feeling. This vote took years to accomplish, especially with everything that the local had thrown at it. I’m proud of Travis and the members for the example that they’ve set within our union.”

Congratulations to Local 1590 for ratifying your new agreement after years of work!

Brother Tim Brock (Local 1504, Sanford, Fla.) holds lots of titles: husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, son, friend, SMART-TD member, and CSX conductor, just to name a few.

For over three years, he’s been fighting Stage 4 colon cancer that initially spread to his liver and continues to wreak havoc on his body.

As his battle with this relentless disease rages on and he undergoes various treatments, Brother Brock and his family are asking for the help of our union family to ease some of the steep financial burden associated with his specialized care.

Join the Brock Strong Movement and help our union brother in his three-year fight against colon cancer ►

Insurance Doesn’t Cover Treatment Brother Brock is Seeking

After his initial diagnosis in March of 2023, Brother Brock began a grueling cycle of chemotherapy, radiation, procedures, and hospital stays that have been both physically and emotionally draining for him and his family.

In an interview with SMART News, Brother Brock made it clear: he refused to be a statistic when he was first diagnosed and did his research to see what other options might be available to extend and improve his quality of life.

Over three years later, he’s pursuing a specialized, holistic treatment to help him recover from chemotherapy and ultimately improve his quality of life to extend his fight.

However, even though Brother Brock has health insurance, this treatment is not covered by ANY insurance plan.

Including travel, lodging, related medical expenses, and the treatment itself, Brother Brock and his family are looking at a cost of approximately $65,000.

No matter how large or small, any contribution that you’re able to make will help ease the Brock Family’s financial burden and give them more time with a man who’s fighting every day to spend more time with his loved ones.

Even if you’re not able to donate, the simple act of sharing Brother Brock’s story helps reach more of our members and more people who can join the Brock Strong Movement.

Bracelets Also Available to Show Support for Brock Family

The Brock Strong Movement also plans on selling Brock Strong bracelets to help raise awareness around Tim’s fight and contribute towards his treatment expenses.

Described by Brother Brock as representing faith, strength, hope, perseverance, and the power of a community coming together to support someone in need, anyone who makes a donation can e-mail teambrockstrong@gmail.com and request a bracelet if they’d like one.

Please keep an eye on the GoFundMe page for additional information.

Help Our Union Brother in His Time of Need

No one should have to fight cancer alone, and Brother Brock has poured himself into this battle for over three years.

As his union family, it’s time for us to step up and help our brother as he literally fights for his life.

Brother Brock and his family are deeply appreciative of any support that you’re able to provide.

Let’s show what solidarity truly looks like: please consider helping Brother Tim Brock or sharing his story today. ►