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Local 441 organizes big gains at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi

SMART Local 441 members at Ingalls Shipbuilding — a shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, currently building ships for the United States Navy — recently ratified a five-year agreement that will provide an 18% pay increase right away, 32% increases in the first four years and a variety of other benefits. The new contract demonstrates the importance of organizing rigorously in so-called “right-to-work” states — and the power of a union contract.

A Legacy of Leadership: Sister Sandra Pineda Sets an Example Behind the Wheel and at Home

Over 20 years ago, Sister Sandra Pineda (Local 1563, El Monte, Calif.) began working as a bus operator for LACMTA as a single mother supporting her three daughters. What started out as a job has grown into two decades of service, solidarity, and unwavering support for her brothers and sisters. To kick off Women’s History Month, we are honored to share a reflection on Sister Pineda’s journey within our union written by one of the people who knows her best.

New Railroad Safety Enhancement Act Builds Momentum

Bipartisan rail safety bills are advancing in both chambers of Congress as the House’s Railroad Safety Enhancement Act builds on the Senate bill locking 2-PC requirements, and many more safeguards for railroaders into federal law. Read on to see how momentum for rail safety could translate into long-sought federal protections, and why your support will be what gets it across the finish line.

Union College Benefit Launches New Discounts, Expands Access

Since its launch in June of 2025, the Union College Benefit has provided SMART-TD members and their immediate families with an opportunity to reach their higher education goals by offering discounted tuition and flexible study options at accredited colleges and universities nationwide. Now, the program is expanding even more. Read on to learn what’s new and how you can start enrolling today.

Real Consequences for Virtual Reality

Railroads are asking the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to let them swap video games for required hands-on training. Read on to see how this push to lower safety standards shifts liability onto workers and why our union is urging the FRA to reject the petitions and keep REAL training in place.

SMART leaders train to secure our future with organizing class

The SMART Educations Department held its Bottom-Up Organizing Class in Austin, Texas, during the week of January 5th, 2026. Using comprehensive role-play that mimicked a worker-led organizing campaign over the duration of the week, the class focused on developing practical competency in the process and skills required to successfully facilitate victorious unionization drives.