On February 23, 2026, workers at SPX Cooling Technologies, LLC in Springfield, Missouri, voted to ratify their first contract as SMART members. The three-year agreement includes a $1,500 ratification bonus, wage increases of over 11%, the preservation of health and retiree benefits and just cause protection against unfair discipline. The victory came from workers who were organized to stand together and utilize labor’s oldest and most powerful weapon: the strike!
SMART membership changes lives — not just for members, but for entire families. Local 399 (South Carolina) member Fabian Campos, along with hit son, provides a powerful example.
Fifth-generation railroader Kenny (KO) Edwards has dedicated 36 years of his life to the railroad and SMART-TD. Now he’s getting ready for a new chapter: retirement. Ahead of his last day next Friday, read on to learn more about what he always kept at the center of his work and the impact that he’s had on our union.
Back in spring 2025, SMART Local 435 and organized labor announced a landmark victory in Jacksonville, Florida. Thanks to the unrelenting advocacy of Local 435 and the North Florida Building and Construction Trades Council, in a campaign led by Business Manager Lance Fout, th [...]
Federal bus safety rules still ignore the biggest threat operators face: assaults. Our bus members deserve barriers, visibility standards, and accountability. Read on to see what’s at stake for every bus operator and why SMART-TD is speaking up and demanding real safeguards.
Our union mourns the loss of Brother Don Hollis, a former General Chairperson in Texas who passed away earlier this week at the age of 74. Holding several leadership positions over many years in his home state, his contributions helped prepare the next generation of railroaders. Read on to learn more, including how he’s being remembered by those who knew him well.
In Colorado, the recent, pioneering partnership between Midtown Chimney Sweeps and SMART Local 9 demonstrates how collaboration, professionalism and high-quality union training can open new doors for local unions, employers, Coloradans and entire industries. Maintenance of metal chimney flues and end caps in Colorado will now be performed by Local 9 members!
As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the remarkable SMART-TD sisters who are making history every day and challenging what it means to be a powerful leader in traditionally male-dominated industries. Whether on the rails or on the road, these fearless women are committed to making things better for those who will follow in their footsteps.
More than three years after the catastrophic derailment in East Palestine, a Pennsylvania lawmaker is urging his Senate colleagues to pass rail safety legislation that cleared the House last week. Read on to learn how this bill is part of a broader nationwide push to enact critical reforms that are necessary to protect both railroad workers and communities.
Organizing is not just about recruiting new sheet metal workers into our union; retaining members is a critical part of the equation. SMART local unions need to grow in order to bolster collective bargaining and ensure health and pension funds remain strong. That can only happen when members both join and stay in SMART. For that reason, SMART Local 16 held its inaugural new organized member orientation on March 7, 2026.