Category: Amtrak/Commuter News
FTA announces random drug and alcohol testing rates for 2024
The calendar year 2024 drug and alcohol random testing rates for specific recipients of Federal Transit Administration financial assistance were published in the Federal Register on Nov. 30, 2023. The minimum random drug testing rate will remain at 50 percent, and the random [...]
TD members overwhelmingly vote to authorize strike action against SEPTA
Phone: (216) 228-9400 Fax: (216) 228-0411 Email: news_td@smart-union.org The results of a strike vote authorized in October by SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson on the Southeastern Philadelphia Transportation Authority (SEPTA) were fin [...]
Bills’ advancement in Michigan a step forward for worker assault prevention
The union’s renewed intensity on protecting our Amtrak, bus and transit members from assaults by passengers resulted in a late-night victory for our cause Nov. 8 in Michigan. State Legislative Director Donald Roach proudly reported that HB 4917 and HB 4918, both to enhance pr [...]
Transportation labor groups urge DOT and NHTSA to launch industry-wide investigation of driverless vehicles
The following letter was submitted by the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, on behalf of SMART, SMART Transportation Division and a number of other labor unions to the U.S. Department of Transportation and to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. [...]
House Republicans push back vote on Amtrak cuts
The SMART Transportation Division has been asking for help and advocacy from our members this week to reach out to Congress and let them know that it is not OK to gut the federal spending for Amtrak. Late Thursday, it appears that your voices have been heard loud and clear an [...]
Michigan bills protecting bus/transit and passenger workers advance
SMART Transportation Division Michigan State Legislative Director Don Roach reports that two bills supported by the union have taken a step forward in the state Legislature after receiving a key committee endorsement. HB 4917 and HB 4918 seek to enhance protections for transp [...]Strike vote authorized at SEPTA
“Our General Chairperson for the SEPTA property, Ray Boyer, served Section 6 Notices on SEPTA well over a year ago. SEPTA management knows full well that SMART-TD’s members are the backbone of the greater Philadelphia area. Our members operate heavy rail, buses, light rail, a [...]
Online fundraiser established for Local 857 member who died at away-from-home terminal
It is with heavy hearts that the members of the SMART Transportation Division and Local 857 mourn the passing of colleague and friend, Michael Moilanen. Michael served as a conductor for Amtrak and was a valued member of Local 857 out of San Antonio, Texas. Michael’s un [...]