When we are talking about keeping our brothers and sisters in passenger rail safe during this summer’s World Cup, maybe we should call it the first SAVE of the tournament. Either way, read on to see how our New England Safety and Legislative Board, along with our BTAPS committee, went the extra mile to keep our brothers and sisters safe this summer.
SMART Local 9 members, families and friends gathered at the local’s Denver union hall on September 6, 2025, for the inaugural SMART Derby, BBQ and Car Show, a first-of-its-kind event that celebrated craftsmanship, fellowship and the future of our trade.
The second-ever BE4ALL Town Hall — featuring General President Michael Coleman, SMACNA President Todd Hill and Funds Executive Director Michael Harris — brought nearly 200 SMART members and dozens of SMACNA contractors together at Seattle’s Museum of Flight to speak directly with leadership about an important initiative to strengthen the unionized sheet metal industry.
Colorado and the rail labor movement have lost a respected leader whose influence extended across decades and generations of union members. Read on to remember Brother Jack Shaver.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Baltimore Regional Training Seminar (RTS). This is your last chance to attend an RTS in 2026, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills and add to SMART-TD’s growing momentum. Register today!
Brother John Lynch, Local 1494 (Chicago, IL), retires after 32 years of railroad service and decades of union leadership, leaving a lasting legacy of mentorship, integrity, and dedication. Read on for more about his remarkable career.
Iranian cyberattacks against America’s transportation systems are no longer hypothetical, and growing automation is increasing the risk to critical infrastructure, supply chains, and public safety. Read on to see why transportation workers remain America’s strongest defense and how LACMTA was just the canary in the mineshaft.
Brother Richard “Richie” Hazlewood (Local 771, Needles, Calif.), an engineer for BNSF and UTU/SMART-TD member for over 30 years, was killed in a motorcycle accident on May 21, 2026. Read on to hear how his union family is remembering their larger-than-life union brother and the impact that he left on those who knew him best.
President Donald Trump delivered a perfectly timed shot of support for the Rail Safety Bill, helping SMART-TD get it passed in the Transportation Committee and on to the floor of the House and Senate. Read on to hear how his TRUTH Social message moved the needle for rail safety!
On Friday, May 22, 2026, Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr. dismissed the criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, “ruling that the Trump administration had brought human trafficking charges against him as part of a vindictive effort to punish him for challenging his wrongful deportation to El Salvador last year,” according to the New York Times. Read SMART General President Michael Coleman's statement in response.