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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPPER DARBY, PA – January 13, 2025 — The first glare-resistant and bulletproof driver barriers are set to be installed on the first of eight Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) buses tomorrow.

This achievement is the result of a pilot program that was part of the tentative agreement (TA) reached between SMART Local 1594 and SEPTA in November.

SMART-TD’s Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee was a key partner in developing the program.

“I want to thank our BTAPS committee for their help in making this happen and advocating for Operator’s enclosures to be bulletproof,” said Anthony Petty, SMART-TD alternate vice president bus-east & GC Local 1594. “With the support of this team at SMART, we’re setting the tone for every bus company in SMART-TD and across the United States.”

“That’s the importance of having a union,” Petty continued. “Without one, the company can tell you what to do and say whatever they want. I look forward to working with them [SEPTA] in the future and hope that they’re going to always be on the same page and that they realize that we’re their frontline employees.”

Classified as the “alpha prototype,” the barrier will be test-fitted to ensure that no additional design modifications are needed before the “beta prototypes” are installed on the remaining seven buses.

The eventual goal is to outfit the entire SEPTA bus fleet with these new barriers.

Petty emphasized the importance of this moment for the SEPTA drivers who are members of the SMART-TD family.

“It feels great,” Petty reflected. “It feels like we’re finally on the same page as the company. I can report back to the operators that something is being done about our safety, and it’s just not being looked over.”

With violent attacks against bus drivers increasing nationwide, this is an important step forward in ensuring that the safety of these essential workers is top-of-mind.

Tony Ricci with Custom Glass Solutions has been involved in the design process since October 2023 when a SEPTA driver was shot and killed.

“Everybody was sick about this,” Ricci reflected. “That’s [violence against drivers] been a problem for a long time, and SEPTA and the union were dedicated to coming up with a solution.”

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the barriers were designed to focus on virus prevention rather than physical protection for drivers. Often flimsy and able to be easily pulled apart, these were not a long-term safety solution.

In fact, some of these barriers negatively impacted drivers’ safety by creating a major glare issue when trying to see their curbside mirror, increasing the potential of accidentally hitting pedestrians, vehicles, or crashing the bus due to an impacted sight line.

“I’ve traveled around the country and met with multiple transit authorities, and I’ve seen the barriers that have been put on these buses,” Ricci said. “They’re extremely inadequate for assault. It’s really bad to give a driver a false sense of security. The idea here was to create a barrier that would solve all of the different problems.”

These new barriers are designed to protect drivers from both physical assaults and assaults committed with various types of weapons. From start to finish, the priority has remained the same: ensuring that SMART-TD members are safe at work.

“I want to thank President Jeremy Ferguson and VP James Sandoval for thinking outside of the box with how they let me address this issue in our contract dispute with SEPTA, “Petty noted. “They gave me the ability to protect our members and made their safety this union’s number one objective.”

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About SMART-TD

The Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers—Transportation Division (SMART-TD), also known as the SMART-TD Railroad Union, is the largest rail union in North America, representing more than 100,000 workers. We fight for the rights of our members, ensuring that they receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and the benefits they deserve. Our union is committed to standing up for all railroad workers and ensuring that their voices are heard in Washington, D.C.

Phoenix, Arizona—It is with heavy hearts that SMART-TD honors the life and legacy of Brother Scott Olson, who passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the age of 77.

A member of Local 1629 who served as the Arizona State Safety and Legislative Director (SLD) for nearly 18 years, Scott was known for his reliable presence at local union meetings and active engagement within SMART-TD.

For Greg Hynes, SMART-TD National Safety and Legislative Director and former Arizona SLD, Scott was a mentor.

“He’s the one who taught me how to be a state director and encouraged me to go to Washington, DC,” Hynes reflected. “He was a great teacher, a great friend, and I truly admire him.”

During Scott’s time as the Arizona SLD, Republicans held a supermajority in the state legislature and weren’t considered labor-friendly.

That didn’t deter Scott.

Rather than accepting defeat, he was able to work with the Arizona Corporation Commission to move the needle on issues that are important to SMART-TD members, including working conditions and two-person crews.

“He always found a way to make it work,” Hynes emphasized.

Focused on working across the aisle whenever necessary to get things done for the betterment of our union, Scott was a respected member of the SMART-TD family.

Scott’s contributions to our union and the entire railroad community were invaluable. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Georgeann, their children, and their family. Most importantly, we uplift our appreciation for the lasting mark that Scott Olson left on both working families in Arizona and our union.

California is once again facing catastrophic wildfires, with thousands of acres burning and entire communities being forced to evacuate. Some of our SMART-TD members are on the frontlines of the devastation, both as first responders and as victims themselves.

Our brothers and sisters working for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) have been hit particularly hard. General Chairperson John M. Ellis from our Los Angeles general committee (GO-875) has informed us that 10 to 15 of our members have already lost their homes to the flames. With the fire’s rapid movement, that number is expected to rise. They face heartbreaking losses, but they are also responding with courage by participating in emergency rescue operations and ensuring that California residents are safely transported to shelters. Their families, homes, and personal belongings remain in jeopardy.

How to request assistance from SMART-TD’s disaster relief fund

The SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund is here to assist those affected by such crises. If you or another SMART-TD member you know has suffered damage to their home or living situation, please reach out to the Chairperson of your General Committee. They will provide you with a short application form and walk you through the process. If you aren’t sure who your General Chair is, that information is available on the SMART App along with their contact information by clicking the arrow to the right of your local’s meeting date and location. If you do not have the app, your local officers will be able to get you in contact with your General Chair.

How to contribute to our brothers and sisters in need

We know that the spirit of solidarity runs deep in this union, and we are asking for your help to ensure that we can continue to support our California brothers and sisters during this time of crisis. Donations to the SMART-TD Disaster Relief Fund will go directly to those members who need it most, helping them rebuild their lives and recover from this tragedy.

When disaster strikes, we are reminded that our union is not just a collection of individuals—it is a family. If one of us is in need, we rise to the occasion. Over the years, SMART-TD has supported our members in the wake of hurricanes, winter storms, and other natural disasters, providing vital assistance to those whose lives have been torn apart. The need is just as great today, and we need to step up once again.

If you can contribute, we encourage you to make a donation. Whether large or small, your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are at risk.

Thank you for standing with our union family during this time of crisis. We will rise to meet this challenge together.

Contributions can be made payable to:

SMART TD Disaster Relief Fund
6060 Rockside Woods Blvd., N
Suite 325
Independence, OH 44131

Please call the Transportation Division office at (216) 228-9400 with any questions regarding the Disaster Relief Fund.

In the spirit of solidarity, SMART-TD asks our members to support the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150 in Countryside, Illinois. They have been on strike against unfair labor practices on the part of Cranemasters, Inc. for more than two months.

While the strike has been effective in the Chicagoland area, Cranemasters is a nationwide company, and the union needs more help pressuring them to come to the table.

“We’re hoping to overcome the information gap of us being in the Chicagoland area and not necessarily knowing where Cranemasters is working at all times,” explained Rob Paszta, IUOE Local 150 Associate General Counsel. “The eyes and ears of SMART members would be tremendous help in this regard.”

To assist in the strike, SMART-TD members are asked to report any known Cranemasters job sites anywhere in the country by calling (219) 405-5532. Paszta says that will help the local put data points together and know where folks are working.

Cranemasters is an emergency rerail, track, and car repair service active in the local’s jurisdiction.

Cranemasters refuses to negotiate

In August 2023, Cranemasters employees in Merrillville, Indiana and Schiller Park, Illinois voted to join IUOE Local 150. Since then, 17 unfair labor practice charges have been filed against Cranemasters on issues including refusing to bargain in good faith, firing employees who support the union, and taking work from the bargaining unit and sending it to non-union locations.

Furthering its anti-labor behavior, the company has refused to give workers a raise since the union was voted in, while other locations have been given a 10% raise in an attempt discourage any organizing efforts.

“Some of them have been working for two years without a raise in some of the worst inflationary times we’ve seen,” noted Paszta.

On November 4, Cranemasters employees went on strike after working for 15 months without a contract.

By supporting IUOE Local 150 in its unfair labor practice strike, Paszta predicts that the effort will pay off in the long run.

“It’s a good group of employees. They’re hard-working,” Paszta emphasized. “Any information that you [SMART-TD members] can provide would go a long way to help these employees get a contract and stop being mistreated in retaliation for forming a union. It’s just shameful the way the company is acting.”

Click to learn more about the Cranemasters strike and how you can help. ►

Not many people can say that they’ve written three books or have been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

Brother Carlos Wallace, a fifth-generation railroader out of Local 11 in Houston, Texas, has done both.

“I think the impact of the writing has me more excited than the actual accolade,” Wallace said. “When I started to understand the criteria and what they look for and how it’s about things that can make society better, that’s when it meant something to me. In my writing, to me, that’s what’s most important: making the world a better place.”

The Pulitzer Prize is an annual award that recognizes achievement in American journalism, letters and music. Out of an initial pool of 1,400 nominees, Brother Wallace has advanced to the top 50, who are still in the running. He says that the winner will likely be announced sometime in June. The Pulitzer is awarded by Columbia University in New York City.

Wallace served as the Local Chairperson for Local 11 and the Secretary of GCA-927, while also working for Union Pacific. Traveling as an organizer for the United Transportation Union (UTU) gave him the opportunity to meet a lot of different people and experience different scenarios, which factored heavily into his writing.

Wallace’s first book centers around his East Texas upbringing and the principles that his parents and grandparents instilled in him.

“I’ve yet to meet anybody in my life that can say that they worked in the same industry as their great-great-great grandfather,” Wallace reflected. “Society works much like the operation of the railroad. All it takes is one part failing, and it can make the entire operation fail. But if it’s built properly enough, we can assist and help bring it back on board. It’s just making those comparisons from railroading to real life, and it’s taught me so much.”

Brother Wallace’s third book, Why Sell Lies When the Truth is Free, nabbed him the Pulitzer nomination. The book is his first venture into fiction. He admits that it was a little tougher to write than his first two, which he classifies as motivational and empowering books.

“I’m very proud of [my third book]. I was able to craft a good story, and it caught the recognition of some really good people in the literary world,” Wallace said. “It’s all based on real facts and real things that happen, and I just kind of put them all together to make one story.

“I am a die hard. I only know union,” Wallace emphasized. “I want to thank the men and women from the bottom-up because it takes everyone, and it makes me extremely proud to say that I’m a SMART member. There’s never a day that I’m not proud of my union.”

Survey Shows High Public Support for Metra Employees, Increased Calls for More Security

A recent survey conducted in the Greater Chicago area, conducted by an independent third party between December 16-19, 2024, found that 83% of people have a favorable opinion of Metra (44% “excellent” and 39% “good”). The public’s loyalty is largely due to the work done by SMART-TD transit union members: Metra’s conductors, ticket collectors, and other frontline workers.

Celebrating transit union members

It is remarkable that 83% of people can agree on anything!

“It’s no surprise to me that our Brothers and Sisters at Metra are held in such high regard by the passengers that they serve,” SMART-TD’s Illinois State Safety and Legislative Director Bob Guy had to say about the members in his city.

“As the face of Metra, passengers know they can count on our members to deliver them to their destination safely and securely, while also being available to address questions or concerns that may arise during a routine trip and to take immediate action on those rare occasions when incidents occur. Our members take pride in the work they do and the service they provide, and I’m proud that their job performance is so favorably recognized.”

The survey also found that 26% of people rated Metra overall as “Excellent.” Our men and women scored significantly higher with the community than Metra did overall. Our members are by far the best thing the agency has going for it, and SMART-TD helps make that difference.

Public wants more security

The survey also highlighted growing public concern about security in public transportation.

30% said an increased law enforcement presence would make them feel more likely to use public transportation.

51% said they strongly support having more law enforcement personnel on Metra trains, buses, and in the stations themselves.

SMART-TD 100% agrees with these sentiments.

With the increase in violent incidents on public transportation nationwide, we have called for more police and security to keep both passengers and our members safe. We cannot overstate how important it is for passengers and operators to feels safe when using METRA. SMART-TD’s bottom line is that our members need to be protected while doing their jobs.

Additional security will increase ridership

Safety would help Metra’s bottom line, too. 30% of the people who abandoned Metra said that they would be willing to come back if security were increased.

Addressing safety concerns will directly boost ridership, which will offset the costs of the enhanced security measures.

“We’ve long stressed to METRA the need for increased safety measures due to rising violent and erratic behavior. We will continue to push for better security to protect our members,” said SLD Guy. “Metra’s new ‘Code of Conduct’ policy is a great start, but more needs to be done to ensure a visible police presence, especially in areas where problems still happen.”

Once again, we congratulate our members for their outstanding work and the trust the public has in them. We are proud of the essential service they provide every day and will continue to advocate for their safety and the safety of all Metra riders.

Click to view the results of the Chicagoland transit survey ►

SMART TD Union leads the charge for fair treatment and better benefits

Thursday, January 23, President Ferguson, all TD Rail Vice Presidents and several General Chairpersons will present our case for a fair, more sustainable agreement as detailed by our Section 6 notice to the National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC). These discussions are the first step in shaping our next labor agreement.

The road to a fair national railroad labor agreement will not be easy, but SMART TD is prepared for the challenges ahead. As negotiations move forward, the union will remain in communication with its members, providing updates and guidance throughout the process. We urge all freight rail members to stay informed, participate in union activities, and remain united as we push for the changes we deserve.

We will post all updates under the “Member Portal” section of our website to keep everyone in the union fully informed.

To view the Section 6 notices as served by both the National Railway Labor Conference and SMART Transportation Division:

Return to this page and click to View our Section 6 Notice ►

Section 6 Notices: A blueprint for change

The Section 6 notices are a formal part of the collective bargaining process and outline the changes and improvements the unions seek in the new National Agreement. For SMART TD, the proposed changes address key areas that reflect the current needs of freight rail workers. This includes:

Workplace Safety: Members’ safety is paramount. SMART TD is demanding stronger safety measures and protections to ensure that workers are not exposed to unnecessary risks while on the job.

Job Security: Establish a new rule requiring the railroads who are party to the agreement to give furloughed conductors from one railroad first consideration when filling jobs on another. Conductors hired under this rule would be entitled to retain their years of service for vacation and personal leave purposes when transferring to the new railroad.

Wages: The union is pushing for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living and the increasing demands of the job.

Health & Welfare: Improvements in health and welfare benefits are a top priority. As part of the notice, SMART TD is calling for better healthcare options, reduced out-of-pocket costs, and an enhanced pension plan to ensure that members are well taken care of now and into retirement.

Vacation: We seek to increase the number of vacation weeks earned by our members with extended years of service and the rate at which vacation time is increased on the front end of our members’ railroad careers.

Work Rules and Conditions: Adjustments to work rules and schedules are also on the table. Union members seek manageable working conditions, with a focus on improved quality of life both on and off the job.

SMART-TD railroad delegation packed with heavy hitters

President Ferguson, all TD Rail Vice Presidents, and several General Chairpersons will engage with the National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC). The General Chairpersons appointed to the National Bargaining Team come with decades of experience handling on-the-property agreements, and each provides a unique outlook on how their memberships are affected. They are Acting GCA-001 General Chairperson Brent Lind, GCA-009 General Chairperson Scott Swiatek, GCA-256 & AVP (YM) Chris Bartz, GCA-433 General Chairperson Roger “Adren” Crawford, GCA-449 General Chairperson Justin Wolters, GCA-680 General Chairperson David Phillips, GCA-687 General Chairperson James Ball, GCA-898 General Chairperson Thomas Gholson.

A Stronger Future for Freight Rail Workers

The fight for a better railroad contract is just beginning, but SMART TD is ready to lead the charge. With the support of our members, we are confident that we can secure a fair, equitable deal that addresses the issues that matter most. Together, we will ensure that freight rail workers receive the respect, benefits, and compensation they have earned.

This round of National negotiations is unique in that it affects only three of the Class I railroads. Canadian National, BNSF, and Norfolk Southern, along with multiple smaller railroads, are participating in the national negotiations. The other three Class Is (CSX, UP, and CP) are negotiating individually with the general chairpersons on their respective properties.

We encourage all members to stay engaged and stand united as we move forward in this crucial process. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the future of our industry and the lives of every worker on America’s railroads, both current and future.

Shreveport, Louisiana — It is with deep respect and sorrow that SMART-TD honors the life and legacy of Brother Albert Buford “Sonny” Woodall, who passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the age of 94.

With a career spanning over four decades, Sonny dedicated much of his life to advocating for railroad workers. He was the Louisiana State Safety and Legislative Director for our predecessor union, the United Transportation Union (UTU), for 22 years. His relentless commitment to improving safety and increasing the respect given to his fellow workers is the hallmark of his legacy. Through his tireless efforts, Sonny played a pivotal role in crafting and supporting legislation that directly impacted the welfare of our Louisiana members, ensuring that they had safer working conditions and job security.

Brother Gary Duval, the state safety and legislative director who succeeded Sonny, and current Louisiana SLD Chris Christianson, wish to extend their deepest condolences to Sonny’s family and the brothers and sisters of Local 976, where Sonny was a beloved figure.

Christianson shared that he always looked forward to seeing Sonny come through his door. “Sonny always had great railroad stories, but more than that, I was always grateful for his willingness to share the wealth of institutional knowledge he had accumulated over his long and distinguished career. His dedication to our union and to every member in it was unwavering, and his presence will be sorely missed.”

Sonny’s contributions to our union and the broader railroad community were immeasurable. His memory will live on in the policies and practices that continue to protect and benefit our members today. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and we offer our gratitude for the indelible mark Sonny Woodall left on our union and the railroad industry.

In ongoing recognition of his commitment to advocating for SMART-TD bus and transit workers, Brother Ron Sabol has been appointed to serve as a member of the Mercer County Advisory Council on Special Transportation. One of the Council’s main priorities is to look for federal funding to help seniors, students, and those who are disabled better traverse the New Jersey county.

Brother Sabol is both the president of Local 1447 and SMART-TD’s New Jersey/Delaware Safety & Legislative Director (SLD). His one-year term on the council began on November 14, and he was sworn in on December 5.

Mass transit is a vital part of daily life for both passengers and workers in Mercer County, which includes the state capitol. Princeton University, which is a big stop for both Amtrak and New Jersey Transit, mixes with other passengers who rely on the Trenton Transit Center and the Hamilton Train Station.

Transit Union helped secure groundbreaking COVID-era safety legislation

SMART-TD members who live in the Garden State are no strangers to Brother Sabol’s passion for ensuring that his union family is adequately protected on the job.

Nearly two years ago, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the Motorbus and Passenger Rail Service Employee Violence Prevention Act into law.

The first of its kind in the nation, the law addressed the rise in violent attacks against transit workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to Brother Sabol’s efforts, the bill increased the penalty for all assaults on a bus operator, the operator’s supervisor or a passenger rail employee.

In addition to his work on the Council, Brother Sabol also serves as a Vice President of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO and is secretary to the Mercer County Central Labor Council. He was also re-elected as the president of the New Jersey Society for Environmental, Economic Development (NJ SEED) in December.

Congratulations, Brother! Your union looks forward to seeing the impact that your service on the Council has on SMART-TD members!

New hires at Local 1706 learn what happens when solidarity is put into action. Its former employer, Student Transportation of America (STA), was acquired by Zum Transportation. The members of 1706 transferred to the new ownership and brought their SMART representation with them. Vice President James Sandoval, leading SMART-TD’s Bus Department, immediately communicated to Zum that the union would continue to advocate for their new workers’ rights. This secured a foothold for Local 1706, but it also marked the beginning of an intense negotiation process.

SMART-TD leadership engages skeptical employees

Many of Zum’s new employees were unfamiliar with union representation and were skeptical about the value of joining. Tensions ran high, with some openly questioning the need for representation by SMART-TD.

With contract negotiations scheduled to begin the next day, Sandoval approached three of the most vocal critics and invited them to attend the bargaining session. These individuals agreed to participate, and their presence at the table completely changed the dynamic of the negotiations.

Solidarity intimidates management at bargaining table

When the group entered the negotiation room, Zum’s management was surprised. The three new operators, outspoken in their opposition to unions the night before, were now sitting side-by-side with our leaders. This attitude shift signaled a unified front at the bargaining table. The new participants also gained firsthand insight into the negotiation process and the critical role that unions (SMART-TD, in particular) play in advocating for their members.

Initially, Zum presented an offer that fell short — Sandoval and his delegation stood firm and demanded a better deal for our members.

Standing firm for a successful agreement

Zum eventually agreed to a contract that secured improved wages, better health and wellness benefits, and significant improvements in overall working conditions. On December 21st the TA, negotiated in part by the union’s former skeptics, was overwhelmingly passed by the members of Local 1706! Their fight and the experienced guidance of VP Sandoval proved to be a winning combination.

A point of pride for Sandoval, however, was the opportunity to demonstrate the value of the union to those three previously skeptical operators. Over the span of 24 hours, they went from opponents of union membership to full-fledged supporters. Their journey from skepticism to active leaders highlights the power of collective bargaining and its transformative effect.

“SMART-TD is not only proud to have found them as new members, but we should also be hopeful that we’ve found a new generation of skilled leaders who know how to advocate for the men and women of our craft,” said VP Sandoval.

“We are stronger together. Be SMART!”

To kick off the new year and a season of new beginnings for Local 1706, a training for the members was held today.

General Chairperson Lisa Roby has a good feeling about the future of the local.

“A lot of people don’t know much about the union,” Roby explained. “They’ve been asking questions, and I think we’re getting much better. This is the strongest we’ve ever been…right now.”

From last month’s negotiations to the information discussed in today’s training, Sister Roby complimented VP Sandoval’s leadership.

“James stays on top of everything,” Roby noted. “[The training] came together smoothly, and I’m grateful for the learning that we’re getting.”

As some new members continue to see what it means to be a part of the SMART-TD union family, Roby has some words of wisdom for them.

“We are stronger together. Be smart. That’s what I always tell everybody,” Roby said.

For Local 1706, this experience is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from unity, respect for diverse viewpoints, and the transformative power of organized labor. The agreement represents more than just better pay and benefits: it symbolizes the collective effort of workers coming together to secure a better future for themselves and their families.

Congratulations to Local 1706 on their victory!