In April 2026, SMART leaders gathered in Washington, DC, for the 2026 NABTU Legislative Conference. From meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to hearing from labor leaders and political candidates, union officers worked to secure a better deal for workers across the country.
Railroad Retirement Fairness Act to stop reductions in earned Tier II benefits. Read on to see how it protects railroad families’ hard-earned retirement security.
A tentative eight-year agreement with CPKC includes a 32.5% wage increase, protected benefits, and quality-of-life improvements. Members will vote between April 29 and May 21. Read on for details on the TA, and what to expect in the voting process.
Rigby Yard in South Portland, Maine features unmonitored RCO’s and Amtrak’s Downeaster service sharing its yard limits. Read on to see how in Maine, Rail Safety, and Public Safety go hand in hand.
Rhode Island could become the latest state to strengthen safety protections for our passenger rail members if a newly filed bill is approved by lawmakers. This mirrors a similar piece of legislation that passed in neighboring Massachusetts last year and was championed by SMART-TD. Read on for details.
Bipartisan senators are pushing to boost Railroad Retirement Board funding so railroaders can access the benefits they’ve already earned, addressing delays, staffing shortages, and outdated systems. Read on to see how this impacts you.
Organizing is the foundation of the labor movement, and it remains the key to SMART’s health and strength to this day. Bringing unorganized workers into our union is how we grow union density, maintain the health of our funds and build our strength at the bargaining table. For that reason, the SMART Education Department held its Bottom-Up Organizing class in St. Louis, Mo., during the week of April 13, 2026.
A key Capitol Hill discussion highlighted workers’ safety challenges in rail and transit, with SMART’s General President Michael Coleman informing key members of Congress on meaningful reforms our members are looking for. Read on to see how GP Coleman brought solutions, not just problems with him to D.C.
A potential shutdown of historic Barr Yard in Chicago could jeopardize SMART-TD jobs, disrupt freight movement nationwide, and make public safety concerns worse. Workers warn of repeating one of Hunter Harrison’s epic failures. Read on to see what’s at stake for our Chicago brothers and sisters.
SMART General President Michael Coleman joined the United States Congressional Labor Caucus on April 15, 2026, to bring the voice of SMART members to Congress.