Brother Ricky Karlecke (Local 1534, Chicago, Ill.) fought a brave battle with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer that sadly ended when he passed away on June 21, 2026. As his family prepares to lay him to rest, read on to find out how you can help ease their financial burden.
New York City, one of the most famous metropolises of the world, is built, moved and powered by union members. And in New York and New Jersey, SMART Local 137 and Local 28 are working constantly to create more opportunities for union members, expand the number of unionized contractors performing work in the region, and help workers experience the difference in pay, benefits and quality of life that comes from SMART membership.
If you plan on attending the 2026 Baltimore Regional Training Seminar (RTS) and have not registered or booked your hotel room yet, please do so now while there’s still space available! Read on for the important details that you need to know about our last RTS of 2026.
Record attendance at the St. Paul Regional Training Seminar equipped 330-plus local officers with leadership, legal, financial, and election skills to strengthen union representation. Read on for details.
In May 2026, the employees of Energy Services in Naperville, Illinois demonstrated the power of solidarity when they voted 17-3 to join SMART Local 265. The National Labor Relations Board election itself was decisive; it was also the culmination of months of organizing and years of relationships built among coworkers who viewed one another as more than just fellow employees.
With most of the country bracing for extreme temperatures this week, working safely in the heat is top of mind for many railroaders. Read on to learn more about how you can help prevent heat-related illnesses and emergencies before they happen.
Seeking treatment for drug or alcohol dependency shouldn't mean worrying about lost income. Read on to see how SMART-TD removed a major barrier to recovery for members this year.
After being closed for over a year, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board’s (RRB) Louisville, Ky. District Office will restart in-person service on June 29. Read on for what you need to know if you plan on visiting this location.
After a successful debut in 2025, today (June 24) marks Operation Lifesaver’s second Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign Awareness Day, which brings attention to the blue and white signs that are posted at railroad crossings. Read on to learn how you can help raise awareness and prevent avoidable accidents from happening.
Nine years after its first failed attempt, CSX is once again disrupting Barr Yard operations and expecting railroaders to clean up the mess. Read on to see what SMART-TD Yardmaster and Alternate Vice President Chris Bartz has to say about our YM’s being the company’s fall guys.