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News Archive
Women’s History Month Spotlights Trailblazing Union Sisters
As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the remarkable SMART-TD sisters who are making history every day and challenging what it means to be a powerful leader in traditionally male-dominated industries. Whether on the rails or on the road, these fearless women are committed to making things better for those who will follow in their footsteps.
Pennsylvania Rail Safety Legislation Clears House Vote
More than three years after the catastrophic derailment in East Palestine, a Pennsylvania lawmaker is urging his Senate colleagues to pass rail safety legislation that cleared the House last week. Read on to learn how this bill is part of a broader nationwide push to enact critical reforms that are necessary to protect both railroad workers and communities.
SMART Local 16 holds first orientation for newly organized sheet metal workers
Organizing is not just about recruiting new sheet metal workers into our union; retaining members is a critical part of the equation. SMART local unions need to grow in order to bolster collective bargaining and ensure health and pension funds remain strong. That can only happen when members both join and stay in SMART. For that reason, SMART Local 16 held its inaugural new organized member orientation on March 7, 2026.
Local 105 organizer named San Gabriel Valley Volunteer of the Year
On March 26, 2026, Local 105 (Southern California) SMART Army Coordinator and Organizer Eric Farrar was honored with the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez of Council District 25.
Virginia Rail Yard Renamed in Honor of 50-Year Member
Brother Robert “RC” Hailes recently celebrated 50 years of service as both a SMART-TD member and working for the Norfolk & Portsmouth Beltline Railroad in Virgina. Read on to find out what honor Brother Hailes received to mark this significant milestone and commemorate five decades of leadership.
Sister Heather Steele Turns Adversity into Action
After experiencing a brutal on-duty assault nearly two years ago, Sister Heather Steele refused to let the incident define her career or her legacy. Instead, she’s becoming the face of the national rail safety movement while continuing her physical recovery. As Women’s History Month draws to a close, read on to learn how Sister Steele embodies what it means to build history in real time and what’s next on her advocacy journey.
Patience, persistence lead to union benefits for New Jersey workers and new signatory contractor
What began as simple walk-ins and persistence by SMART Local 27 organizers ultimately turned into a successful organizing effort — one that expanded the union’s reach into a specialized part of the HVAC industry and set a precedent for future organizing in the duct cleaning sector. Now, new signatory company Induct Air Duct Cleaning and its workers are set to benefit for the years to come.
Retiring Wisconsin Member Receives Two Prestigious Honors
Brother Steve James (Local 590, Portage, Wis.) retired in December of 2025 after more than 30 years on the railroad, many of those spent serving SMART-TD members in his home state. To show their appreciation for his dedication and hard work, he received two meaningful honors from both his local and state legislative board. Read on for details.