News Archive
Kentucky Republicans Push New Right-to-Work Law Through Committee
On the first day of the state’s new legislative session, Republican members of Kentucky’s House Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee approved House Bill 1, a law requiring unions to negotiate for and represent people even when they refuse to pay [...]
FRA releases 2017 drug and alcohol testing rates
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has determined that the minimal annual random drug and alcohol testing rate will remain the same for 2017, as positive test rates have remained below the set threshold. The testing rates will continue to be 25 percent of covered servi [...]
LIRR derailed in Brooklyn, N.Y., dozens injured
FOX5NY reports that 103 people were injured when Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train 2817 derailed at the Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn, N.Y. at 8:20 a.m. The first train car left the track, but no other cars seemed to have derailed. Approximately 600 passengers were on the tr [...]SMART TD comments to FRA regarding in-cab distractions
Jan. 3 – SMART Transportation Division submitted comments protesting in-cab distractions to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The FRA recently issued a public notice in docket FRA 2016-0002-N-22, allowing for comments to be made on in-cab distractions. “W [...]Profits over safety: Rail industry lobbies to stall ECP brake technology
The WashingtonPost.com recently reported that the rail industry is lobbying hard to stall or potentially reverse the FRA’s ruling that freight trains be equipped with ECP (electronically controlled pneumatic) brakes by 2021. Despite the growing number of rail crashes an [...]
SMART TD saddened by the sudden loss of Charlene Payne
Charlene Payne, a long-time UnitedHealthcare representative for the Railroad Accounts, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 17, 2016. Payne was a dear friend to many at SMART Transportation Division, and her passion and dedication in serving all railroad members was re [...]
SMART Support for Wreaths Across America
This past Saturday was the 25th Wreaths across America day, where 44,000 volunteers placed 245,000 wreaths at gravesites and memorials in Arlington Cemetery. This is also coordinated and carried out with wreath-laying ceremonies at 1,100 additional locations in all 50 states [...]
OSHA’s Cold Stress Guide
Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk of cold stress. Some workers may be required to work outdoors in cold environments and for extended periods, for example, snow cleanup crews, sanitation workers, police officers and emergency response and recovery personnel, [...]