Author: alyssahansen

It’s December of 2022, and a hearing is taking place in Washington, D.C. on the FRA’s 2-PC rule.

As the hearing room fills, one of the attorneys for the railroad stops cold in her tracks.

She spots SMART-TD’s General Counsel Kevin Brodar and knows that she’s in for a fight.

That’s the kind of reputation that he’s rightfully earned throughout his professional life: a steadfast champion of the labor movement who stands tall in the courtroom to defend SMART-TD members and protect their rights.

Now, after a legal career spanning nearly four decades, Brodar is retiring at the end of the year.

“It’s a little scary, I have to say, going over to the other side,” Brodar admitted. “I’m peering over the edge of the abyss.”

He’s been slowly saying his goodbyes over the past few months, which has given him plenty of time to reflect on both the people he’s worked with and the experiences that he’s had at SMART-TD.

“It’s a little bittersweet, because you work with people and then you develop a bond and it’s more than just a working relationship. It’s a friendship,” Brodar said.

Long Road to a Labor Legal Career

After graduating from Duquesne University, Brodar moved across the country to attend law school at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and initially wanted to be a public defender.

But after his first year of law school, he wasn’t sure that was the path he wanted to pursue.

As he sat in class listening to lectures about real property law, Brodar worried that he made a mistake.

“I’m listening to this and I’m thinking ‘This is nothing like what I thought it was going to be,’” he remembered.  

Not wanting to move all the way back across the country already, his wife convinced him to tough it out for his first year.

Once he started his second year of law school, Brodar had the opportunity to choose some electives.

One option that caught his attention: labor law.

“That real property class was so Greek,” Brodar said laughing. “This (labor law course) was like everything I knew.”

Growing up in a heavily industrialized section of Pittsburgh, Brodar estimates that 90% of the people in his community were blue-collar workers. By his best guess, 90% of that group were also union members.

His father, brother, and an uncle all worked on the railroad, so it wasn’t surprising that Brodar was drawn to practicing labor law.

Earning the highest grade in his class didn’t hurt either.

“That first semester, second year, I was like ‘Bam! This is it,’” Brodar said.

From the NLRB to SMART-TD, Brodar Makes an Impact

After receiving his Master of Laws (LLM) with a concentration in Labor Law from Georgetown University and beginning his career with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Brodar was hired by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLET) in 1989 before being approached by the United Transportation Union (UTU) in 1991 to join the organization as a full-time litigator.

He’s never looked back.

But whether it was making an impact through several cases of first impression, litigating in federal district and appellate courts all over the country, or ensuring that SMART-TD members received historic raises and saw no major changes to healthcare during the last round of national negotiations, Brodar never let his professional accomplishments overshadow why he wanted to practice labor law.

“Being a litigator wasn’t the be all and end all of everything,” Brodar said. “It was working for a cause, and that’s why you work on this side of the fence. That’s kind of what drove me all these years: that you’re working for something greater than yourself.”

Those who have been lucky enough to cross paths with him at SMART-TD agree.

“From his first day as counsel for the UTU to his instrumental role in shaping the victories of SMART-TD, Kevin has been the ultimate protector of our members,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “Since I stepped into my role as President in 2019, I’ve been fortunate to rely on Kevin’s knowledge and experience in some of our union’s most difficult fights. Kevin’s legacy is one of dedication and unmatched service to the labor movement, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”

SMART-TD Vice President & International Representative Brent Leonard agrees.

“He really does care about the organization,” said Leonard. “Not just the people he works with, but also the members we represent.”

Leonard predicts that there will be a noticeable void once Brodar retires.

“People always feel better when they know that there’s somebody there that has the answers,” Leonard explained. “It’s this certain comfort that everything will be okay, because you know what? Kevin knows what to do.”

Looking to the Future

Stepping up to fill Brodar’s role is Erika Diehl-Gibbons, who is the current Associate General Counsel at SMART-TD.

Leonard believes that there’s no one who’s better prepared for the job.

“We’re excited to have Erika coming in and filling the role,” Leonard said. “She’s been with us for a long time, and she’s going to be a fantastic General Counsel. I know she looks at Kevin as a mentor, and I know he’s mentored her to carry the torch.”

As Brodar prepares to wrap up a lengthy legal career that’s been spent fighting for workers, he’s hopeful that he was simply able to make an impact.

“It really has been a blessing to be able to have this job,” Brodar reflected. “It’s something that’s provided a lot of fulfillment that I’ve been able to help people, which was my whole goal.”

Wrapping up a powerful three days of education, collaboration, and solidarity, the 2025 SMART Annual Leadership Conference concluded with leaders from the Sheet Metal and Transportation Divisions pledging to keep fighting for what truly matters: our members.

STB Chairman Patrick Fuchs Welcomes Labor’s Input on UP/NS Merger

Speaking to the full General Session and holding a separate question-and-answer session with Transportation Division General Chairpersons and State Legislative Directors, Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs provided an overview on his role and the structure of the STB, his goals as chair, and the focus on accountability and transparency to the public and to the various bodies that the board serves.

“As chairman, my number one priority thus far has been to increase transparency at the board,” said Chairman Fuchs. “I know we need to do better. I’m working every day at just that.”

The biggest talking point for officers in the room was the recently announced Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, the news of which was not shared with SMART-TD in advance.

Chairman Fuchs wasn’t able discuss his personal views on the merger or answer specific questions, but he did speak about the process and share as much information as rules and statutes allow him to.

Even though there were limits on what Chairman Fuchs could tell us, he made it clear there were no limits on what information he wanted from your representatives.

“We need your perspective. We count on your perspective. We’re listening.”

“As long as I’m chairman, labor will always have a seat at the table. We need your perspective.” 

SMART-TD’s Amanda Snide Named Member of the Year 

Sister Amanda Snide (Local 200, North Platte), an 11-year union member, received the Joseph J. Nigro SMART Army Member of the Year Award for the Transportation Division.

This award is given each year in recognition of the winners’ solidarity and dedication to their union, their SMART brothers and sisters, and their communities.

Growing up in a union family, Sister Snide had a general sense of what it meant to be a member but her appreciation grew even deeper after becoming one herself.

“I had no idea how much it could affect me as a member,” explained Sister Snide to the assembled leaders. “Our union has both given to us and provided ways for us to give back.” 
 
Working in healthcare before making the transition to the railroad, Sister Snide was worried that she wouldn’t be able to answer her calling to help people anymore.

Serving as a Local Chairperson, Local Safety and Legislative Representative, and the current Assistant Safety and Legislative Director for the State of Nebraska has allowed her to do exactly that.

She also works as a Switchman and Yard Foreman in North Platte, Nebraska and is a volunteer firefighter.

“Although my two professions may differ in some respects, both are united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of others,” said Sister Snide. “We refer to one another as family because we rely on mutual support—whether navigating through an investigation or confronting emergencies such as fires.”

Having just completed her first investigation as a member of the National Safety Team, she has earned a reputation throughout our union for her loyalty to her members and all railroaders.

“Our collective strength is founded on knowing that our brothers and sisters stand ready to assist whenever needed. Thank you for being the kind of leaders our members need.” 

Laying the Groundwork for Future Success 

Transportation Division leaders wrapped up the conference with additional workshops from the organizing department and the E-3 (empowerment, education, and engagement) Committee focused on how we can continue to grow and retain our membership by keeping them engaged and informed with what’s happening in the Union.

This week’s Leadership Conference underscored what is already a hallmark of the SMART-TD union: our members are at the heart of everything we do.

Whether it’s on the rails or on the road, the skills and knowledge gained this week will be used to keep fighting for what matters…our members.  

Building off the momentum established on Monday, the second day of the 2025 SMART Annual Leadership Conference focused on sharpening Sheet Metal and Transportation Division leaders’ skills and knowledge to effectively serve the membership.  
 
From the latest legislative and safety developments resulting from SMART’s efforts on the Hill, to hearing directly from three Congressmen, our efforts in D.C. were the focus of Day 2 at the Leadership Conference.

“We Are One Union. We Are One Body.” 

During Tuesday morning’s General Session, National Safety & Legislative Director Jared Cassity stressed the importance of rail safety in the wake of the East Palestine derailment over two years ago.

He pointed out that the railroad was back up and running before the evacuation order was even lifted.

“They literally were moving trains before people were allowed to go back to their homes,” said Cassity. “It’s not about safety for the railroads. It’s about profit every single time.”

That’s the status quo for carriers and the railroad industry.

“You realize the bastards they are behind the curtain,” noted Cassity.

Cassity explained that the East Palestine disaster revealed a lot of truths, including the fact that technology tends to fail and people make the difference when it comes to avoiding similar incidents.

That’s why SMART-TD is driving the charge for rail safety, and it all starts with our members.

“The only way that we make influence on the Hill is from the ground-up,” said Cassity. 
 
Ending his remarks by pushing leaders to take a stand and make a difference, Cassity encouraged the room to focus on what unites us, rather than what divides us.  
“The parties are ripping us apart,” explained Cassity. “Our issues align in this house. We’re on the same team in this house. We can’t let other people pull us apart.  
 
“We are one union. We are one body.”

Pro-Worker Allies Highlight Organized Labor 

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman and New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill, and Congressman Joe Morelle were three of the SMART allies who encouraged our assembled brothers and sisters to keep fighting in spite of a difficult environment for workers. 
 
“We don’t need to be in a country of the billionaires, by the billionaires and for the billionaires,” said Leader Jeffries. “We should be a country of organized labor, by organized labor, for organized labor.”
 
“When you put workers first,” he added, “when you put unions first, you put America first.”

Congresswoman Sherrill highlighted the importance or labor and why unions are the backbone of our country.  

“I know that people come before you all the time, and I know that you hear all the time about people’s labor connections,” Sherrill said. “It’s important that we acknowledge that. It’s important that we understand just how many families across this great country have been impacted by labor unions.”   

Representative Morelle grew up in a union family and discussed the importance of doing the work, whether on the jobsite, in the railyard or in the halls of government.    

“That’s what American exceptionalism is — it’s not about being richer, about being more sophisticated, it’s about outworking everybody … and that’s what SMART members do,” he said.   

TD Leaders Hone Their Public Speaking Skills

Leaders in the Transportation Division took a deep dive into the art of public speaking and effective communication, ensuring that our members are represented better than ever at the bargaining table, appeals hearings and in the public eye. Officers also trained on sharpening our message, communicating clearly with lawmakers at all levels of government.

Through interactive practice, attendees were able identify their strengths and pinpoint areas where they could improve their skills.  

Training To Win 

Day Two of the Leadership Conference made clear that SMART’s strength lies in its unity, its advocacy, and the dedication of its members. With a renewed focus on safety, legislative engagement, and effective communication, SMART-TD leaders left the day better equipped to represent their members and push for meaningful change in Washington and beyond.

With a strong focus on the victories achieved and the battles still to come, the 2025 SMART Leadership Conference kicked off this morning in New York City with a firm commitment to keep “Fighting for What Matters…Our Members.”

Opening Remarks Set a Powerful Tone for the Week 

Bringing together hundreds of Sheet Metal and Transportation Division leaders for three days of collaboration and education, speakers rallied attendees around the importance of standing with and for one another, no matter what. 
 
“Our fight has always been, and always will be, for the people who place their faith in us every single day,” explained SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson in his opening remarks. “In this Union, we fight for all the members all the time. Whether it’s in a bus, the cab of a locomotive, a bus garage, or in the Yardmasters tower — our members rise each day not just to do a job, but to stand with and for one another. This is what defines us.”

Welcoming new members into the fold is proof that SMART-TD sets the standard in the transportation industry.

“We are not just a rail union, not just a bus union — we are a Transportation Union,” explained President Ferguson. “No matter which side of the cab you’re on — or whether you’re driving a 40-foot bus or repairing track — there is a home for you here in SMART-TD.”

Attendees also heard from leaders from the conference’s host local unions, including the General Chairperson of GCA 505 Anthony Simon.  

Simon, a longtime fixture in the New York labor movement, discussed the fitting location for the 2025 Leadership Conference, connecting New York’s legendary resilience to the work SMART members and officers do every day.

“Here in New York, we know what it means to fight,” Simon said. “And I’m proud to say our members on the Long Island Rail Road stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our sheet metal brothers and sisters and all of labor in that fight, just as SMART leaders have done across North America.”  
 
“We are and always will be stronger together. One voice. If they come for one of us, they should come for all of us. There is no “I” in this team.”

Education Emphasized in TD General Session, Breakouts

Underscoring the union’s ongoing commitment to member education and engagement, the TD General Session emphasized the importance of useful digital tools, such as TD Connect and Microsoft 365, to create a new level of collaboration and information-sharing from General Chairmen to the locals in their jurisdiction.  
 
Led by SMART-TD Vice President Gary Crest and Director of Administration Matt Dolin, the discussion also focused on how General Chairpersons and State Legislative Directors can leverage members’ unique talents and strengths to foster, strength, unity, and improve communication to strengthen SMART-TD.

VP Crest reminded TD leaders to check their ego and leave it at the door.

“It’s all about the membership. It’s not about you.”

Afternoon breakout sessions furthered the emphasis on education, with discussions about Rules & Dispute Arbitration, Effective Lobbying, and Leading Successful Negotiations at the Bargaining Table.

Sheet Metal Members Fight the Same Battles 

During his remarks, SMART General President Michael Coleman addressed the circumstances our brothers and sisters find themselves in.

To put it simply, SMART and organized labor are facing constant attacks aimed at dividing us.

“Our solidarity doesn’t have divisions, and it doesn’t have borders,” Coleman declared. “But the fights are going to continue.”

President Coleman also referenced a recent op-ed written by Steve Forbes that accused SMART-TD of buying and paying for the hard-fought two-person crew (2-PC) rule.  

“See, people like Steve Forbes can’t imagine a world where working people have any power. They just can’t fathom that,” Coleman said.

Despite the barrage of attacks, President Coleman believes the future of the SMART union is bright.

“But let me tell you what gives me hope,” Coleman said. “This right here. This gathering of labor leaders. The solidarity we developed over the years. That is what this moment demands.”

General Secretary-Treasurer John Daniel used his remarks to speak directly to the officers in the room: discussing what leadership means, how we can work to continually better our union, and how important it is that we listen and learn to SMART member across North America — even as local officers work on members’ behalf.

“Let’s fight for what matters,” he said. ”Not just for our jobs. Let’s fight for our families. Let’s fight for our futures; our ability to look the next apprentice in the eye and say, we’ve got your back.

“I am here to fight with you,” he concluded. “We are here to fight together.”

In short, this year’s Annual Leadership Conference is off to a great start. Energy is high, and every leader in this union is building their skill set with the determination of representing and defending their members with the focus of living up to the theme of this year’s meeting: “Fighting For What Matters….Our Members.”