Moving Forward Together: A New Chapter for SMART Communications

For generations, SMART-TD members and retirees have relied on our union’s newspaper as a trusted source of information. Our union takes pride in connecting you to the work being done on your behalf and the stories that define our union. That tradition matters, and it will continue. But how we deliver that information is evolving.

After careful consideration, SMART-TD is transitioning from our traditional, standalone printed newspaper and moving to a primarily digital format. At the same time, we will be merging our SMART-TD newspaper content with the SMART Members’ Journal, which has long been published on the Sheet Metal side of our union. Going forward, key SMART-TD updates, including legal notices and highlights from our quarterly reporting, will appear in an expanded section of the Journal dedicated to the Transportation Division, while our full coverage will be available online.

This decision was not made lightly. We understand that many of our members and retirees feel strongly about having a printed newspaper. But we also have a responsibility to be good stewards of your dues.

Printing and mailing a nationwide publication is expensive, and those costs have only increased in today’s environment. Paper, ink, and postage continue to rise.

 At the same time, the content in our quarterly newspaper is largely drawn from the daily reporting we already provide through our website, social media, the SMART App, and our Daily Newswire e-mails.

Over the past year and a half, SMART-TD’s Communications Department has shifted its strategy to meet members where they are today. We now produce original content five days a week, covering local union activity, legislation affecting our crafts, leadership updates, safety issues, and more. These daily stories are timely, accessible, and immediately relevant. They are also the same stories that have traditionally been compiled into our quarterly newspaper.

We recognize the value of those collections. But producing them in print comes at a high cost, especially when the same information is already widely available in real time.

We’ve also asked you, our members, how you prefer to receive union news and updates. Consistently, the printed newspaper has ranked among the lowest. Members today are choosing faster, more direct ways to stay informed, and SMART-TD is adapting to reflect that reality.

This change allows us to reduce significant expenses while continuing (and expanding) our ability to keep you informed. The savings realized from printing and postage can be redirected toward the priorities that matter most: fighting for your safety, your pay, and your quality of life.

We know this won’t be welcome news for everyone. As long as there have been railroads in this country, there’s been one constant: railroaders don’t like change. We respect that. But this decision is about responsibility. It’s about ensuring that your union uses your dues wisely and effectively.

SMART-TD remains fully committed to keeping both active members and retirees informed and engaged in this union’s activities. Our website, Daily Newswire, social media platforms, and the SMART Members’ Journal will continue to provide comprehensive, reliable coverage of everything happening across our union.

This was a difficult decision. But it is the right one for the future of our organization and the majority of our membership.

We appreciate your understanding, your engagement, and your continued solidarity.

SMART-TD Communications Team

TD-DL-News@smart-union.org

(216) 227-5283