The labor movement lost one of its steadfast champions with the passing of Jackie “Jack” Verlyn Shaver. For decades, Jack dedicated himself to the service of railroad workers, their families, and the principles of unionism that have guided generations of transportation employees.

Jack’s career of service stretched so far back that it predates not just SMART-TD but the United Transportation Union itself. He hired out on the railroad in the fall of 1960 as a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen Lodge 30. Since then, Jack has been known for carrying forward the values of solidarity, dignity, and brotherhood through every chapter of our union’s history. Through organizational changes, political battles, legislative fights, and countless challenges facing railroad workers, Jack remained committed to the same cause: protecting working people and strengthening the union that represented them.

For many in SMART-TD and its predecessor organizations, Jack was far more than a leader. He was a mentor. He understood that unions are not built by titles or offices, but by people willing to invest in the next generation. Whether it was a newly hired railroader learning the ropes or one of the labor movement’s most senior elected leaders, Jack always made time to share his knowledge, offer guidance, and encourage others to grow. His reputation as a trusted counselor extended throughout the union, including to former UTU President Al Chesser, who often relied on Jack’s judgment and experience.

As SMART-TD First Vice President Brent Leonard recalled, when he was a young railroader with strong opinions and sharp criticisms, Jack did not dismiss him. Instead, he challenged him to transform that energy into constructive leadership. That approach defined Jack’s character. He saw potential in others and believed it was his responsibility to help them develop it.

Former SMART-TD Illinois State Legislative Director and Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Joe Szabo remembered Jack as both a mentor and a father figure. When Szabo was a young State Director, Jack shared not only his knowledge of railroading, politics, and the legislative process, but also his wisdom about leadership itself. He encouraged others to grow, to serve, and to carry forward the mission of the union. His influence can be seen in the careers and accomplishments of countless leaders who followed in his footsteps.

Former Colorado State Director Rick Johnson described Jack as someone who changed the trajectory of lives. As a union brother and mentor, Jack was unapologetically committed to the workers he represented. His guiding principles were simple but unwavering: family, union, and safety. He understood that every legislative battle, every safety initiative, and every contract fight ultimately came down to protecting the livelihoods and well-being of working railroaders.

Current Colorado State Safety and Legislative Director Carl Smith echoed those sentiments, saying that Colorado, SMART-TD, and the entire rail labor movement lost a great leader in Jack Shaver. Smith noted that Jack demonstrated the right way to lead for decades, maintaining an unwavering focus on the safety and quality of life of his brothers and sisters above all else. That commitment was reflected in everything he accomplished throughout a long and distinguished career and remains an example for future generations of union leaders to follow.

Those who knew Jack consistently speak of his humility. Despite his accomplishments and decades of service as both the Colorado State Director and as the President of the National Association of State Directors, he never forgot where he came from. He expected leaders to carry themselves with dignity, to respect the members they served, and to remember that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. He believed in doing things the right way, even when it was not the easy way.

Jack Shaver leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured solely by positions held, years served, or legislative accomplishments. His true legacy lives on in the people he mentored, the workers he protected, and the principles he embodied. From the newest members entering the industry to the leaders entrusted with guiding our organization, generations of railroaders benefited from his counsel and example. The causes he fought for remain the causes we champion today. As we continue that work, we honor his memory by following the example he set: leading with humility, serving with integrity, and never forgetting where we came from.

Family, friends, and union brothers and sisters will have an opportunity to honor Jack’s life and legacy at a graveside service on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery, located at 4400 W. Kenyon Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80236. In recognition of Jack’s decades of service to railroad workers, SMART-TD, and the broader labor movement, all SMART-TD members who wish to attend are welcome to join in paying their respects and celebrating the life of a man whose leadership, mentorship, and commitment to working people left a lasting mark on our organization.

Rest in peace, Brother Shaver. Your life’s work helped move the line forward, and your legacy will continue to guide those who follow.

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After 32 years of railroad service and 20 years of dedicated service to this Organization as an officer, Local Chairman John Lynch has announced his retirement effective May 28, 2026.

Brother Lynch’s career has been defined by steadfast leadership, unwavering commitment to the membership, and a deep sense of brotherhood that has strengthened both Local 1494 and General Committee 009 for decades.

Throughout his years of service, John served 20 years as a Local Chairman in Local 1494 and 10 years as the Secretary/Treasurer of Local 1494. He also proudly represented his Local as a delegate to three SMART Conventions and most recently served the past three years as 2^nd Vice Chairman of General Committee 009.

While his list of titles and accomplishments is impressive, John’s greatest contribution to this Organization has been the countless members he mentored, supported, and inspired throughout his career.

Whether advocating for members, offering guidance to younger railroaders, or standing firm in defense of our agreements and principles, John earned the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege to work alongside him.

In recognition of his decades of leadership and service, John was recently presented with a commemorative plaque honoring his commitment to the membership and the labor movement.

The plaque reads:

“As a proud union man and devoted member of Local 1494 for over three decades, your unwavering dedication to the brotherhood helped guide and protect the membership. Your leadership, strength, and integrity have left a lasting legacy. Your mark on this union will not be forgotten.”

Those words reflect not only John’s service record, but the respect and appreciation felt by the countless brothers and sisters whose lives and careers he impacted throughout the years.

General Chairman Scott Swiatek spoke on behalf of General Committee 009. “We congratulate Brother Lynch on his retirement and sincerely thank him for his many years of commitment, leadership, and service to this Organization. SMART Transportation Division is stronger because of his dedication and tireless representation of the membership. John leaves behind a lasting legacy of integrity, hard work, and brotherhood that will not be forgotten.

I am proud to call John my friend and wish both John and Alice nothing but happiness, health, and well-deserved relaxation in retirement.”

Congratulations, Brother Lynch, and thank you for your service.

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On April 20, 2026, a bipartisan group of United States Senators sent a letter to Congress supporting increased funding for the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). At first glance, that may sound like another routine action in Washington, but it’s something that all railroaders should pay attention to.

This letter is about something that is very direct: making sure railroaders can actually access the benefits we have already paid for.

In the letter, the senators ask for the RRB to receive $185 million in administrative funding for Fiscal Year 2027. This is a big increase from their 2026 budget, but this is not a request for new benefits or new programs. It is about allowing the system to work for US.

The Railroad Retirement Board is different from most other systems. Railroaders do not rely on Social Security or standard state unemployment programs. Instead, we pay into our own system, which provides retirement, disability, unemployment, and sickness benefits. We take care of ourselves and each other in-house without taxpayer dollars. Our forefathers in rail labor set it up this way so we can control our own destiny.  

That means the 2027 funding request is not about asking the government for more money in the usual sense. It is about allowing the RRB to use the money that railroaders have already contributed.

The Truth: RRB is Under Strain

The Senators laid out the real problems facing the RRB. Disability claims are taking an average of 14 months to process. Outdated technology is slowing everything down. Staffing shortages are making it harder for the agency to keep up. A large portion of the workforce is nearing retirement, which could make things significantly worse.

For railroaders and their families, this isn’t just a policy issue. It means long waits during some of the most difficult times in our lives. After an injury, during an illness, or when work is unavailable, is not when we should get let down by a system that we pay a significant amount of money every month.

The fact that these U.S. Senators see us and get why we’re angry is why this letter matters.

It also matters because of who stood behind it.

Votes Not Quotes

SMART-TD wants to thank this bipartisan group of United States Senators who came together, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as leaders who are standing With Us in support of railroaders and our families. Those Senators are:

• Amy Klobuchar (W-MN)
• Josh Hawley (W-MO)
• Roger Marshall (W-KS)
• Bernie Sanders (W-VT)
• Chris Van Hollen (W-MD)
• Edward Markey (W-MA)
• Tammy Duckworth (W-IL)
• Andy Kim (W-NJ)
• Ruben Gallego (W-AZ)
• Tina Smith (W-MN)
• Cory Booker (W-NJ)
• Richard Durbin (W-IL)
• Richard Blumenthal (W-CT)
• Tim Kaine (W-VA)
• Angela Alsobrooks (W-MD)

In this moment, each of them is standing up for railroaders. They are standing up for the retirees who more than earned their pensions, the injured worker navigating disability, and the furloughed conductor waiting on unemployment benefits. They are standing up for the principle that railroaders should not have to fight to access our own money.

This Support Is Not A Coincidence

It comes from years of work by SMART-TD members, State Safety and Legislative Boards, and our Local Legislative Representatives who have taken the time to educate lawmakers and share real experiences from the field.

It also reflects a deliberate approach.

As an organization, SMART-TD has focused on building relationships based on issues instead of  politics. That means sitting down with anyone willing to listen and focusing on what matters most, the needs of our members.

This bipartisan letter is a direct result of that approach.

It is a reminder that when we stay focused and engaged, we can build support in places where it might not have existed before. And more importantly, we can help ensure that the system railroaders depend on continues to serve us the way it should.

This should not be complicated.

Railroaders paid into this system.
We earned these benefits.

It’s our money!
We deserve to access it without delay, and without having to ask Congress permission to take care of our own.

The post A Bipartisan Push to Give Railroaders What We Have Earned appeared first on SMART Union.

Washington, D.C.— On February 5, 2026, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee underscored a critical message for SMART-TD members: Railroad Retirement remains a strong and valuable system, but chronic underfunding of the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) itself is creating unacceptable service delays that directly harm railroaders and their families.

The Good: RRB Is Much Stronger Than Social Security

Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) emphasized the system’s long-term financial strength and sustainability, calling it a model for retirement security nationwide.

“The RRB’s trust fund is predicted to continue running smoothly and solvently for 75 years, which is the limit of our projections. It is the gold standard for sustainability.”

Lawmakers from both parties acknowledged that Railroad Retirement provides benefits that far exceed those available under Social Security, particularly for career railroaders.

During the hearing, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the committee’s Ranking Member, remarked that, “Rail workers who have been on the job for 30 years and retire at the age of 60 receive more than $4,500 a month. That is the good news.”

For working SMART-TD members, this underscores that Railroad Retirement remains one of the strongest retirement systems in the country, rewarding long careers and supporting families in retirement.

The Bad: Chronic Underfunding and Lack of Service

While praising the benefit structure, Sen. Sanders delivered a blunt warning about the consequences of Congress failing to adequately fund the Railroad Retirement Board’s day-to-day office operations.

“The bad news, Mr. Chairman, is that the Railroad Retirement Board budget has been flat for several years. As a result of this insufficient funding, it takes an average of 470 days for the Railroad Retirement Board to determine if a worker is eligible to receive the assistance they need.”

And The Ugly: Real Life Emergencies Met With Long Delays

Those delays have serious consequences for active railroaders, particularly those dealing with injuries, illness, or sudden career interruptions.

Sanders also pointed to the erosion of in-person services, noting that rail workers are sometimes forced to wait up to two and a half hours on the phone to receive assistance. He added that many field offices in rail communities have been forced to shut down or substantially reduce their services.

Even when eligibility is eventually approved, workers are often left waiting far too long for relief.

“And even when it is determined that a worker is eligible to receive disability benefits, it can take 18 months or longer for them to receive those benefits. In my view, that is unacceptable.”

What This Means for SMART-TD Members Still Working

For active railroaders, the hearing confirmed several hard realities. Disability claims can take well over a year, leaving workers and their families in prolonged financial uncertainty. Field office closures and staffing shortages continue to limit access to knowledgeable, in-person assistance when it is needed most. These delays are not caused by the benefit system itself, but by years of flat funding for RRB administration despite growing workloads and increasing demands on the agency.

SMART-TD has consistently warned that underfunding RRB operations harms railroaders at their most vulnerable moments, and this hearing placed those concerns squarely on the congressional record.

What This Means for Retirees and Survivors

For retirees and survivors, the hearing offered both reassurance and caution. The Railroad Retirement system itself remains financially strong, with long-term solvency projections extending 75 years into the future. At the same time, service delays and reduced field office access can complicate survivor claims, benefit adjustments, and major life-event changes. Continued congressional attention is essential to ensure retirees can access the benefits they earned without unnecessary barriers.

Bottom Line for SMART-TD Railroaders

The Senate hearing made one thing unmistakably clear: Railroad Retirement works, and the trust fund is strong. However, the Railroad Retirement Board cannot properly serve railroaders without adequate staffing and funding. We all know that the RRB is self-funded out of our paychecks. The money is there and ready to fix the staffing and technology problems that prevent railroaders from accessing these important services. What the RRB and rail labor are asking is that Congress allow us permission to use these funds to fill the gaps.

SMART-TD will continue pressing Congress to fully fund RRB administrative operations, restore and strengthen field office access, and ensure no railroader or retiree is forced to wait months (or even years) for benefits they have already earned.

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Members who receive railroad retirement benefits will notice an increase that’s set to take effective in January 2026.

The change is due to a rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from Q3 of 2024 and 2025.

Increases are factored into the Tier I and Tier II portions of a railroad retirement annuity. The Tier 1 portion will go up by 2.8%, which is the same percentage as the CPI increase. The Tier II portion is set to go up by 0.9%.

Starting in January 2026, the average railroad retirement employee annuity will increase $80 a month ($3,636) and combined annuities for an employee and spouse will increase $112 a month ($5,249). The last increase took place in January 2025.

Widowed spouses who are eligible will see an increase of $50 a month ($2,109). However, if annuities are paid under the Railroad Retirement and Survivors’ Improvement Act of 2001, annual cost-of-living adjustments will not go into effect until the annuity amount is surpassed by the amount that would have been paid under prior law.

If you receive railroad retirement benefits, keep an eye out for a notice from the RRB in late December that includes a breakdown of the annuity rates payable in January 2026. For more information, click here. 

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SMART News sits down with Greg Hynes, SMART-TD’s National Director of the Safety and Legislative Department, and Phil Qualy, retired Minnesota Safety and Legislative Director, to discuss the critical implications of proposed cuts within the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). 

As advocates for the hardworking men and women who keep our nation’s railroads moving, Greg and Phil highlight how these changes could delay essential services, increase processing times, and ultimately impact the financial security of current and future retirees along with every railroader that is furloughed or is out of work for medical reasons.  

Watch The Video Here

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SMART TD is aware that the new federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has published a list of seven Regional Offices of the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) on their “Wall Of Receipts.” This means that they have decided to cancel the lease for these office locations as well as the leases of the buildings they are currently housed in.

The RRB offices that are scheduled to be closed are the following.

1. Mesa, Arizona
2. Joliet, Illinois
3. Wichita, Kansas
4. Scranton, Pennsylvania
5. Covina, California
6. Cincinnati, Ohio
7. Jacksonville, Florida

You can use this Link to DOGE’s website to view the posting. From this website, you can find all seven of the listed RRB offices under the Real Estate Section of the “Wall of Receipts.”

SMART-TD is working with the RRB on this issue. The RRB has applied for an exemption from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to keep these offices open, and that request is currently pending GSA’s decision.

Our union’s National Safety and Legislative Department is working very quickly on Capitol Hill to convey the importance of the railroad retirement system and your access to it. We are also letting those in Washington know that the money used to support the RRB is your direct employee contributions and not federal tax dollars.

As this situation develops, SMART-TD will keep you informed. 

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Like other federal agencies, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has been operating under a continuing resolution since October 1, 2024, the start of fiscal year (FY) 2025. The temporary funding measure provides the agency with continuing appropriations of $27.9 million through December 20, 2024.

The continuing resolution avoided a potential governmentwide shutdown, as Congress was unable to reach agreement on FY 2025 spending bills before the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Regarding FY 2025 funding for the RRB, the Senate Committee on Appropriations approved a spending level of $129 million, while the House Committee on Appropriations has proposed just $100 million. Congress previously cut the RRB’s FY 2024 budget, which severely impacted agency operations. While the Senate’s proposal reverses that cut and provides the agency a small 0.78 percent increase from FY 2023, the proposed appropriation of $129 million is still $5 million less than the President’s request, $43.3 million less than the RRB’s request, and significantly short of what the agency needs to carry out its mission.

With a $129 million budget in FY 2025, the RRB will be forced to continue its existing hiring freeze and operational cutbacks, while continuing to lose decades of institutional knowledge through retirements. Further, the RRB will be unable to move forward with its multi-year information technology modernization project, resulting in continued dependence on antiquated systems and inefficient processes and a further deterioration of service to the nation’s railroad employees and their families.

The post RRB operating on temporary funding appeared first on SMART Union.

Michael Anderson, 78, a retired California state legislative director and longtime assistant state legislative director from Local 1570 (Roseville, Calif.), passed away Aug. 8, 2024.

Brother Anderson, a second-generation railroader, began his rail career as a switchman at Southern Pacific’s Roseville Yard in June 1964 and initially was a member of the Switchmen’s Union of North America (SUNA), which merged into the United Transportation Union in 1969.

Brother Anderson started as a legislative rep for his SUNA local, then for his UTU/SMART-TD Local 1570. He was assistant state legislative director for 27 years beginning in 1991 before serving as SLD for a few months in 2019/2020.

He also served on the TD’s Executive Board from 2008 to the group’s dissolution in 2019 at the Second SMART Transportation Division Convention.

“Mike was always helpful and always had a kind greeting for everybody,” wrote colleague Bruce Holder, who worked with Anderson on safety matters. “In those old SP days, the railroad had an injury report called the 2611. Mike came up with an unsafe condition report he labeled the 2610. His point was that if the railroad didn’t address the 2610 report, a 2611 injury report would soon follow.

“You were one of a kind Michael. And one of the best. We owe you for leading the way for many years.”

The SMART Transportation Division extends its condolences to Brother Anderson’s family, friends and his brothers and sisters at Local 1570.

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Retired General Chairperson David Haack, a TD Alumni member from Local 322 (Milwaukee, Wis.) who served our membership on the Chicago & North Western, passed away July 13, 2024, at age 88.

Brother Haack joined our union in May 1959 and in addition to negotiating numerous contracts on behalf of his members, contributed testimony in Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) 213 regarding the C&NW in 1988.

Brother Haack attended UW-Oshkosh and UW-La Crosse and served in the United States Army. 

He worked with the Chicago and North Western Railroad as a conductor and the United Transportation Union as General Chairman. Brother Haack served as a union representative and advocate for his railroad brothers before his retirement. in 1998. 

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Ellen Sage Haack; his children, Dawn and Brian Kennedy, Tim and Molly Haack; and eight grandchildren.

Memorials can be made in Brother Haack’s name to St. Jude’s Hospital or Critter Junction Pet Rescue/Fond du Lac.

Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth St. Way in Fond du Lac. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow, at 11 a.m. Cremation has taken place.

Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com.

SMART-TD offers its sincere condolences to Brother Haack’s family and friends and his union brothers and sisters. 

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