News Archive
Local 20 instructor brings mentorship, leadership to SMART and the community
Local 20 (Indianapolis) Instructor Cam Williams brings the mentorship and leadership of the training center to his work with Boys II Men, a local organization that aims to help middle school boys grow into the best version of themselves.
Enough is Enough: STB Puts the Belt Railway of Chicago on Notice
After several months of warning signs, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) sent a letter to the Belt Railway of Chicago requesting detailed information on what it calls “concerning trends” and an action plan for stabilizing freight rail operations in the region. Read on to see the full letter.
As Canada plans a union-built future, SMART leaders prepare with Top-Down Organizing class
Thanks to partnership with the federal government, huge investments are being made in Canadian infrastructure and the building trades. That’s why it’s more important than ever for SMART local unions to continue growing their signatory contractor base, providing more work opportunities for members in every province. And that’s why the Education Department held its Top-Down Organizing class the week of July 20-24, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario
“We Did It!” Transit Funding Measure in Santa Cruz Heading to the Ballot in 2028
Thanks to an effort led by Friends of Santa Cruz METRO, voters will decide whether to approve a transit funding measure in 2028 after the group submitted over 14,000 valid signatures this week to secure a spot on the ballot. Read on to learn how this impacts both our members and the community.
When Lives Are on the Line, Qualifications Must Mean Something
Border policy, English proficiency, and meaningful FRA certification drive proposed safety reforms that SMART-TD has been advocating for. Read on to see what is being done to ensure that being an FRA-Certified Railroader in this country is something worthy of respect.
UPDATE: Hotel Reservation Deadline for Baltimore Regional Training Extended Until August 7
If you plan on attending the upcoming Baltimore Regional Training Seminar (RTS) and have not booked your hotel room, the last day to lock in the discounted rate has been extended until Friday, August 7. Read on for more last-minute registration details.
PRESS RELEASE: SMART members at Alstom LA Metrolink deliver overwhelming ratification of new collective bargaining agreement
The members of SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department (SMART-MD) Local 434 employed by Alstom on the Los Angeles Metrolink have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. The new four-year contract delivers a total of 22% in general wage increases, $5,000 total in lump sum bonuses and substantial improvements to the members’ health and welfare benefits and monthly contributions.
SMART-TD Praises Committee Approval of Key Railroad Retirement Legislation
Bipartisan legislation that brings much needed changes to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) and ensures the agency’s financial stability cleared a key committee hurdle on July 30. Read on for details.