News Archive
Real Consequences for Virtual Reality
Railroads are asking the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to let them swap video games for required hands-on training. Read on to see how this push to lower safety standards shifts liability onto workers and why our union is urging the FRA to reject the petitions and keep REAL training in place.
SMART leaders train to secure our future with organizing class
The SMART Educations Department held its Bottom-Up Organizing Class in Austin, Texas, during the week of January 5th, 2026. Using comprehensive role-play that mimicked a worker-led organizing campaign over the duration of the week, the class focused on developing practical competency in the process and skills required to successfully facilitate victorious unionization drives.
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.
Local 359 helps secure landmark project labor agreement, jobs for members in Arizona
In December 2025, SMART Local 359 helped secure a rare and significant milestone for Arizona’s construction industry in Tucson, when the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a binding memorandum of agreement tied to the Project Blue data center development. The approval cleared the final hurdle for construction to begin and formally secured the project under a project labor agreement (PLA), leading to a win for SMART members and a historic first for Tucson: a 100% union-built project.
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.
Sheet metal industry leaders gather to secure the future at Partners in Progress 2026
The future of the unionized sheet metal industry depends on the things that matter equally to both local unions and signatory employers: growing market share, steady work opportunities, investments in apprenticeship programs and more. That’s why, on February 17-18, 2026, the SMART-SMACNA Partners in Progress Conference brought together leaders from across the trade. For two days, union leaders and employers focused exclusively on bettering the industry — for SMART members and SMACNA contractors alike.
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.