Category: Transportation
PRESS RELEASE: Bipartisan Railway Safety Act Delivers Critical List of Reforms
More than three years after the devastating East Palestine derailment, the bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2026 aims to enact major reforms born out of the lessons learned from this disaster. Read on to learn more about what the legislation does, including why SMART-TD is proud to endorse it.
Railroaders Directly Benefit from New Paid Sick Leave Bill
The United States is the only major country where workers are not guaranteed paid sick leave. A new bill introduced in Congress earlier this month and endorsed by SMART-TD would finally right that wrong and ensure that no one is forced to choose between taking care of themselves and their families or earning a paycheck. Read on to learn how our members would be impacted by this legislation.
Celebrating 25 Years of “Sing Loud, Sing Proud”
For more than two decades, Dropkick Murphys has redefined what it means to be a proud union member. As they mark 25 years since the release of their breakthrough album, the band’s message resonates more than ever with the broader labor movement. Read on to learn how their dedication to working men and women reaches beyond the charts and how you can access discounted tickets to their next show.
Digital Work Reports Demand Accountability Before Disaster Strikes
For years, the Locomotive Work Report has been a critical part of railroad safety. Ensuring the safety of operating crews and providing the Federal Railroad Administration with a direct compliance window, the effectiveness of these documents is now in jeopardy as carriers quietly move them to digital tablets. Read on to learn why this simple act of modernization has created a dangerous gap in accountability.
Members Who Work Federal Holidays Guaranteed Extra Pay Under New Bill
Working holidays is the norm in the transportation industry, but the vast majority of our rail and bus members do not receive any additional pay for doing so. A new bill introduced last week attempts to right that wrong on a federal level. Read on to learn what this change would mean for our members.
Safety Starts With Us
Rail Carriers and Transit Agencies have shifted injury and safety hazard reporting out of crew rooms and into less accessible digital systems. Read on to see how SMART-TD aims to restore real-time hazard awareness and empower members and local officers to protect one another on the job.
BNSF Seeks Dangerous RCO Waiver
BNSF has asked the FRA for permission to weaken safety for our RCO operators. Read on for details on the latest example of profits over people and how SMART-TD responded.
Mourning the Loss of Brother Benjamin Bicknell
Our union is devastated to announce the sudden passing of Brother Benjamin Bicknell (Local 744, Frankfort, Ind.) at the age of 42. His loved ones need our help as they prepare to lay their husband, father, grandfather, and son to rest. Read on for details.