News Archive
Yardmasters Are Being Asked to Fix a Problem CSX Created at Barr Yard
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.
Local 166 Member Needs Our Help After Near-Fatal Heart Attack
Brother Paul Barnard (Local 166, Salt Lake City, Utah) recently suffered a massive heart attack at work and is now beginning his long, daunting road to recovery. Read on to learn how you can help him and his family while he is out of work.
SMART Canada Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day and Partnerships Supporting Indigenous Workforce Development
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, SMART Canada recognizes the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples while reaffirming its commitment to creating meaningful pathways into the unionized skilled trades. Through partnerships with Indigenous communities, training organizations, service providers, and local unions, SMART Canada is expanding access to pre-apprenticeship programs, apprenticeships, and long-term careers in the sheet metal and roofing industries.
Local 221 and Vice Local Chairman Beau Turner: Standing Up for Safety, Standing Up for Railroaders
Written by Bill Gilmore, Local Chair of Local 221 in North Little Rock, Ark. and 3rd Vice Chairperson of GCA - 569, this article details how Local 221 and Vice Local Chair Beau Turner stood up for their safety against Union Pacific. Read on to see how their courage to act and the backing of OSHA secured a landmark recent ruling against retaliation by the railroad.
Your Voice Is Having an Impact on Rail Safety
Public support for stronger drone restrictions around rail operations continues to grow, thanks to grassroots action by railroad workers. Read on to see how you can add your voice.
SMART leaders continue training to better represent production workers
The SMART Education Department and the Production Workers Department held its annual Production Institute in Kansas City, Mo., during the week of June 1, 2026. The focus of the Production Institute, a progressive-format multi-year course, is to train union officials — including stewards — on how to effectively represent our production members.
A Preventable Injury and a Predictable Outcome
A serious Selkirk injury renews concerns that rushed training and inadequate qualification are putting railroaders at risk. Read on to see New York SLD Deleskiewicz’s not-so-subtle message to CSX Executives.
A Partner in Progress: Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s Leadership on Rail Safety
In just the past month, Congressman Jeff Van Drew has been the common thread in some of the most significant rail labor and safety legislation in recent memory. Read on to see why railroad workers are taking notice of this New Jersey Republican’s leadership in our fight.