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Hundreds of people gathered in Lorain and Euclid, Ohio on June 8, 2026, to watch Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 roll through town as part of the world’s largest operating steam locomotive’s cross-country tour.

As much as local residents and rail enthusiasts were excited to see history roll by right before their eyes, the swing through town revealed something even more important: Americans, and Ohioans in particular, strongly support rail safety measures.

Response Confirms that Rail Safety is a Popular Issue

As part of our commitment to fighting for rail safety, SMART-TD was on the ground today in Lorain and Euclid, handing out informational flyers about the Railway Safety Act (RSA) and encouraging those in attendance to contact their member of Congress and urge them to support this critical legislation.

We thought that it might be tough to distribute all 200 flyers, and we are proud to say that we were wrong: we easily could have brought a few hundred more with us!

Today’s action was even more confirmation that communities nationwide are hungry for comprehensive rail safety measures that prioritize both crew members and residents.

This isn’t some talking point that was created in a vacuum: it’s a real, public need that Americans deserve.

SMART-TD was there as Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 stopped in Lorain, Ohio on June 8, 2026.

Major Congressional Hurdle Cleared but Legislative Battle Continues

Last month, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee voted overwhelmingly to include key Railway Safety Act (RSA) provisions in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill.

Championed with bipartisan support, including from Ohio Representatives Mike Rulli (R) and Emilia Sykes (D), Pennsylvania Representative Chris Deluzio (D), and Texas Representative Troy Nehls (R), the legislation includes sweeping reforms strongly supported by SMART-TD and rail labor, including:

  • Federal two-person crew (2-PC) requirements on freight trains;
  • Stronger regulations governing hazardous materials transportation;
  • Enhanced inspection protections and defect detector standards;
  • Increased accountability and penalties for safety violations;
  • Long train safety reviews and operational safeguards

We continue to celebrate this growing momentum for rail safety but are also mindful of the fact that the Reauthorization Bill still needs to pass both chambers of Congress.

Rail labor and safety advocates won a critical battle, but the war is far from over.

Didn’t Get a Flyer? You Can Still Act!

Even if you weren’t at today’s Big Boy stop in Northeast Ohio, you can still help support rail safety!

Ask your member of Congress to support the Railway Safety Act and enact practical, bipartisan reforms that will help prevent accidents before they happen.

Your voice matters; contact your Congressperson today!

UPDATED JUNE 8, 2026: TOMORROW (June 9, 2026) at Noon ET is the LAST day to register for the upcoming St. Paul Regional Training Seminar (RTS). Last-minute registration information can be found below.

The St. Paul Regional Training Seminar (RTS) begins on Monday, June 22, 2026, with an evening Welcome Reception. 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: InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront    
  • Dates: June 22-June 25, 2026 (S&T: June 22-26) 
  •  Room Rate: $159/night    
  • Registration Fee: $75 

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.

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

NO onsite registration will available. Late registration is subject to an additional $125 late fee.

To Register for the St. Paul RTS: RTS Registration ►    

For more information, contact Nick Torres in the SMART-TD office at 216-227-5269 or by email at ntorres@smart-union.org.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to sharpen your skills and help serve our members with confidence. We look forward to seeing you in St. Paul! 

If you’re a railroad employee, you’ll probably notice some changes the next time you log into your myRRB account.

On June 4, 2026, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) announced the redesign of myRRB, including a more modern, streamlined design and a traditional drop-down menu at the top of the screen that replaces the grid of tiles.

Users will first notice the changes when they sign into their account. A new section displays recent activity, keeping railroaders informed and prompting them to contact their RRB field office if they notice any suspicious activity to help protect their personal information.

In addition, myRRB is now more mobile-friendly, allowing users to access their accounts from a smartphone or tablet.

These myRRB updates are designed to improve the layout, usability, and overall navigation without sacrificing the functionality that users know and expect. The changes are also a precursor to future upgrades and service options, ensuring that myRRB is best suited for the digital age.

To make the transition as seamless as possible, myRRB has outlined what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and some of the most important new features…

What’s the Same?

  • LOGIN.GOV – retired, former, and current railroad employees sign in with Login.gov.
  • FUNCTIONALITY – all online services still available.

What’s Different?

  • SIMPLIFIED NAVIGATION – streamlined main menu includes dropdown options for online services.
  • MOBILE DEVICE FLEXIBILITY – responsive layout enables display to automatically adjust for proper fit on smartphones and tablets; main menu collapses to the side on mobile devices.
  • MODERN DESIGN – implements U.S. Web Design System.
  • ACCESSIBLE – complies with various requirements for federal web-based services.

Featured in the new design of myRRB – fundamental tools are emphasized with high level visibility:

  • Recent account activity shown on the homepage
  • Quick links at the bottom of the homepage
  • Simplified footer with links back to RRB.gov website, including easy access to Field Office Locator and the toll-free phone number

Main Menu – spans across the top of myRRB after signing in, organized into categories for a simple path to each online service based on the user-type (either retired railroad employee or current/former railroad employee).

The images below show the new homepages for retired railroad employees and current and former railroad employees, giving you a preview of what you’ll see the next time you log in.

New retired employees homepage

New current and former employees homepage

SMART-TD welcomes our newest brothers and sisters from the White Pass & Yukon (WPY) Route Railway to our union family!

Approximately 40 onboard agents, including train agents, dock reps, and train stockers, voted overwhelmingly to become SMART-TD members, joining the short-line’s conductors and engineers who we’re already proud to count amongst our membership.

WP&Y Employees Saw the Union Difference…and Wanted It

As a tour guide for White Pass & Yukon, Megan Jordahl often works closely with conductors and engineers who were already represented by SMART-TD.

After seeing how the union difference paid off in their respective roles and knowing that other tour guides in the region were making more money, she was ready for a change.

“We wanted what we felt was fair for us,” she told SMART News.

After meeting with GCA White Pass & Yukon Route Railway General Chairperson James Ogden, fellow tour guide Katy Woelfel, and another guide to discuss the benefits of SMART-TD representation, they signed authorization cards with Assistant Director of Organizing Andy Goeckner.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway tour guides Katy Woelfel (left) and Megan Jordahl (right) are among SMART-TD’s newest members.

Megan remembers that most of the onboard agents were very enthusiastic about the organizing campaign and were excited about the benefits that come with union membership.

“Everybody that I talked to was for it and wanted to be a part of the SMART union.”

“There’s a Home for You in Our Union”

Being involved with the organizing process from Day 1, Brother Goeckner explains how this campaign was different from most others, because it involved crafts that typically don’t immediately come to mind on the railroad.

“We were successful in getting all of the onboard agents organized, and it was pretty cool to have done that,” he said. “If you’re willing to work in this industry, we’re willing to represent you.”

He gave a special thanks to General Chairperson Ogden and our new union sisters Woelfel and Jordahl for their dedicated effort to ensure that everyone was on the same page, especially when many employees are scattered all over the world during the off-season.

“They were really helpful in getting this done, and the election was fluid because of them.”

Brother Goeckner hopes that this sends a message to employees at other properties that just because you’re not a conductor or engineer doesn’t mean that there isn’t a place for you at SMART-TD.

“There’s a home for anybody who works in our industry, not just the right and left side of the cab,” he said.

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

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.

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

Registration 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 ►   
Book Your Hotel Reservation ► 

Attendees are responsible for making their own hotel reservations.

To secure a room at the discounted rate, please make your reservation by July 31, 2026. Discounted rooms are only available while supplies last.

For more information, contact Nick Torres in the SMART-TD office at 216-227-5269 or by email at ntorres@smart-union.org.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to sharpen your skills and help serve our members with confidence. We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore!

Local 771 (Needles, Calif.) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Brother Richard “Richie” “Joe” Hazlewood, who passed away on May 21, 2026, after a motorcycle accident at the age of 62.

A UTU/SMART-TD member for over 30 years, Brother Hazlewood hired out in 1993 and was an engineer for BNSF. His local describes him as a beloved father, grandfather, brother, friend, and valued member of his union family who was known for his kindness, humor, and generous heart.

Those who knew him best say that Richie was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need. He made it a point to ask others how they were doing on a regular basis, simply because he genuinely cared about the answer and was dedicated to making others feel seen and important.

Beyond the rails, Brother Hazlewood’s larger-than-life personality and contagious energy were evident in his love for motorcycles, fast cars, the river, and spending time with his family and friends. His loyalty, laughter, and unwavering presence left a lasting mark on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

Richie will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched, especially his daughters and grandchildren. SMART News will share details about any arrangements once they are available.

SMART-TD extends its deepest condolences to Brother Hazlewood’s family, friends, and fellow members at Local 771 during this difficult time.

Brothers and sisters,

On this Memorial Day, we pause as a nation to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States of America. Their courage, dedication, and selfless devotion to duty secured the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Memorial Day is far more than the unofficial start of summer. It is a solemn reminder of the cost of liberty and the tremendous sacrifices made by generations of those who answered the call to defend or serve our country in a multitude of ways.

As union members, we understand the value of solidarity, sacrifice, and standing together for a cause greater than ourselves. The laws that allow us to exercise the freedoms we enjoy daily, including the right to organize, advocate, and provide for our families, were secured by those who gave their lives for this nation and deserve our gratitude.

As our country prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States this year, we must also remember the extraordinary humanitarian cost that brought us to this moment in history. For nearly two and a half centuries, generations have defended our nation and preserved the principles of freedom and democracy through service, courage, and sacrifice. We honor those who gave their lives so that future generations could continue to live in liberty and with opportunity.

I encourage each of you to take a moment to pay your respects and reflect on all the fallen heroes, and to remember and comfort the families you may personally know who continue to carry the weight of that loss with pride and honor. Let us honor their legacy not only with remembrance, but through our commitment to one another, our communities, and the values that unite us as Americans.

Please stay safe this holiday weekend. Thank you for all you do every day to keep this country moving, and may God bless our military members, veterans, and the families of our fallen heroes.

In Solidarity,
Jeremy R. Ferguson
President – Transportation Division
U.S. Army 1988-1991

As always, SMART-TD remains committed to recognizing and honoring our veterans. If you have served in the United States Armed Forces, we encourage you to share your service information through the SMART Member Portal so we may properly recognize and thank you for your service.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2026 —INDEPENDENCE, OH

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) today celebrated a historic victory for railroad workers, first responders, communities, and the future stability of America’s supply chain after the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee voted to include key Railway Safety Act (RSA) provisions in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill (H.R. 8870).

With today’s committee action, the most significant rail safety reforms in generations are now positioned to move before the full House and Senate for an up-or-down vote by the elected representatives of the American people.

The amendment passed with overwhelming bipartisan support 54-11. Led by Congressman Troy Nehls and his fellow Representatives Bresnahan and Van Drew who co-sponsored the RSA Amendment. Twenty other Republicans joined in voting in favor of this critical legislation, while Representatives Titus, Larsen, Deluzio, (Democratic co-sponsors) and all 31 Democrats on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee supported our highest legislative priority.

“This is a monumental day for railroaders and working Americans,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “For years, rail labor has fought to force Congress to confront the dangerous consequences of Wall Street-driven railroad policies. Today, despite relentless opposition from the railroad lobby and the Association of American Railroads, the will of the American people broke through.”

The Railway Safety Act movement was born from tragedy following the February 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. This disaster exposed the catastrophic consequences of deregulation, Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), workforce reductions, and corporate cost-cutting measures that prioritized profit margins over safety.

SMART-TD recognized then-Senator J.D. Vance and Senator Sherrod Brown for laying the bipartisan foundation for this moment through their leadership in crafting the original Railway Safety Act legislation in 2023 and 2024.

“Since East Palestine, there has been a clear bipartisan appetite in both chambers of Congress to pass meaningful rail safety reform,” Ferguson said. “But time and again, the railroad lobby and the AAR used their enormous influence, lobbying power, and dark money to pressure committee chairs and congressional leadership to keep these bills from ever receiving fair votes.”

“Today, through bipartisan cooperation and the relentless work of SMART-TD’s Safety and Legislative Department, the American worker finally broke through those barriers.”

SMART-TD also extended gratitude to the lawmakers who have championed rail safety legislation across Congress, including Representatives Emilia Sykes (D-OH), Mike Rulli (R-OH), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Dina Titus (D-NV), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and numerous others who have consistently supported independent rail safety measures and helped build the momentum that made today possible.

“The work of these legislators, Democrats and Republicans alike, collectively moved the needle in Congress and elevated the national conversation around railroad safety,” said SMART-TD National Safety and Legislative Director Jared Cassity. “Today’s victory did not happen overnight. It happened because railroad workers never stopped fighting, communities never stopped demanding accountability, and courageous lawmakers refused to back down.”

The legislation includes sweeping reforms strongly supported by SMART-TD and rail labor, including:

  • Federal two-person crew (2-PC) requirements on freight trains;
  • Stronger regulations governing hazardous materials transportation;
  • Enhanced inspection protections and defect detector standards;
  • Increased accountability and penalties for safety violations;
  • Long train safety reviews and operational safeguards;
  • Expanded emergency response preparedness requirements.

SMART-TD also acknowledged the support provided by both the Trump and Biden Administrations throughout the broader national rail safety movement following East Palestine.

“This victory belongs to every railroader who spoke up, every family member who sacrificed, every community that demanded change, and every elected official willing to stand with working Americans over corporate lobbyists,” Ferguson said.

“The lives of our fallen brothers and sisters can never be justified by any legislation. But they are honored by the effort we advanced today.”

The union emphasized that the significance of today’s action extends far beyond rail labor itself.

“This is a great day for railroad workers. It is a great day for the long-term stability of our national supply chain and economy,” Cassity said. “But more importantly, this is proof that when the wellbeing of working Americans is directly at stake, there is still enough decency left in Washington for people from different political backgrounds to come together and do what is right for this country and its blue-collar middle class.”

SMART-TD called on Congressional leadership in both chambers to move quickly to bring the legislation to the House and Senate floors for final passage.

“For decades, railroad corporations treated safety improvements as optional and workers as expendable,” Ferguson concluded. “Today marks the beginning of the end of that era.

###

For more information, or to speak with SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson, National Safety and Legislative Director Jared Cassity, or members of their leadership teams, please contact our Communications Department.

Dan Banks
dbanks@smart-union.org
(330) 322-5949 (Cell)

Alyssa Hansen
alyssa.hansen@smart-union.org

Railroaders are encouraged to keep an eye on their mailboxes for an important form that’s set to arrive during the first half of June.

Prepared annually by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), a Form BA-6, Certificate of Service Months and Compensation, is sent to every railroad employee with creditable railroad compensation in the last calendar year. Specific instructions are available for reviewing the form.

The information is used to determine whether an employee qualifies for benefits and the amount of those benefits, so railroaders are urged to review their individual forms carefully to ensure that their records agree with what’s noted.

As a reminder, only annual earnings up to $176,100 are creditable for railroad retirement, the maximum amount shown on the form. The BA-6 also shows service credited on a month-by-month basis for 2024, 2023, and 2022, the employer(s) reporting the employee’s 2025 service and compensation, and the number of any additional service months deemed by the RRB.

Please note that the section marked “Employee Contributions” shows the difference between the railroad retirement payroll taxes paid as an employee under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act and the social security payroll taxes an employee would have paid if all of their creditable railroad service had been covered under the Social Security Act. The RRB does not collect or maintain payroll tax information, but this amount advises retired employees of their payroll tax contributions for federal income tax purposes.

There’s also a section in the lower-right corner of the form that designates whether the employee is eligible to claim unemployment or sickness benefits.

Form BA-6 also shows the number of months of verified military service creditable as service under the Railroad Retirement Act if the service was previously reported to the RRB. It’s recommended that employees submit proofs of age and/or military service in advance of their actual retirement to streamline the benefit application process and help prevent payment delays.

Formal protest requests need to be submitted in writing or on Form G-70, Protest Record of Service Months and Compensation. Requests for adjustments made by employees must be filed within four years of the date the service and/or compensation was to be reported. Protests filed outside of that window will not be considered timely.

If personal information (name, birthdate, address, etc.) is incorrect or incomplete, employees should notify their local RRB field office to have it corrected.

Railroad employees who have not received a Form BA-6 by July 1 or those who need a replacement are encouraged to contact an RRB field office by calling 1-877-772-5772. Callers can also request a statement of service and compensation through the number’s automated menu by selecting option 5 at the end of the recorded greeting. Statements can also be requested online by clicking the “Request Documents” button at RRB.gov/myRRB.

More detailed information about the Statements of Service are available on the RRB’s website.  

With SMART-TD once again leading the charge, another state is aiming to lock critical rail safety protections into law with not one, but two, pieces of legislation.

Introduced by Senator Erika Geiss (D-District 1) on May 13, 2026, Senate Bills 958 and 959 require a minimum two-person crew (2-PC) on freight trains and ensure that wayside detector systems are not only installed and functioning properly but that carriers place this important safety equipment at certain spots along the railroad tracks in an attempt to prevent derailments before they happen.

Both bills are scheduled for their first hearing this Tuesday, May 19 at 3:30 p.m. in the Senate Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

Legislation Targets Issues Receiving National Attention

Senate Bill 958 would codify a minimum two-person crew on freight trains in Michigan if the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rule were eliminated. The second piece of legislation, Senate Bill 959, requires that Class I and Class II carriers place wayside detector systems along every 10 miles or less of track and that Class III’s do so every 35 miles or less.

With the 2023 East Palestine derailment still fresh in the minds of railroaders and many communities, Michigan State Safety & Legislative Director Eric Stanger (Local 1709) explains that this is common sense legislation that goes beyond one political party.

“Rail safety is a bipartisan issue, plain and simple,” he explained. “No matter what side of the aisle you find yourself on, we should all be able to agree that trains traveling throughout our state should have a full crew in the cab and that any and all safety protections should be taken so that we don’t have a repeat of what happened in East Palestine in our own backyard.”

State Joins a Growing List That Have Achieved Recent Rail Safety Wins

Just this year, SMART-TD has successfully championed rail safety bills in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Virginia’s 2-PC law was just signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger in April, and the other two states are closer to having laws on the books themselves after clearing crucial legislative hurdles.

While Michigan’s bills are just getting started on their legislative journeys, SLD Sanger is hopeful that they can build off of the rail safety momentum in statehouses across the country.

“These bills benefit both rail safety and local communities throughout the state of Michigan,” he said. “Lawmakers owe it to their constituents to send a message that they’re ‘with us’ on rail safety, and we look forward to working with our brothers and sisters throughout the state to get these bills passed.”

SMART News will continue to provide updates as the bills move through legislature.