SMART-TD members who enjoy hunting, shooting sports, and the outdoors have another reason to check out the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) 2027 Calendar.

In celebration of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s 20th Anniversary, this year’s calendar includes an exciting new contest. 20 specially marked Golden Calendars have been randomly inserted into the print run.

Members who receive one of these rare calendars and complete the required registration process will receive a Benelli M2 shotgun in Mossy Oak Bottomland, valued at approximately $1,829.

With roughly 16,250 calendars being printed, the odds of receiving a Golden Calendar are about 1 in 800.

USA’s Mission

If you aren’t familiar with the Union Sportsman Alliance, it is a great organization that every SMART-TD member is eligible to be a part of. They hold events all around the country to bring our families and our union families together through hunting, fishing, shooting, and all things outdoors.

In their 20 years of serving the labor movement, they have also become one of the country’s largest and most effective conservation organizations. They work to maintain wildlife habitats, restore national parks, and involve union members from different labor organizations in all kinds of crafts in mentoring programs that introduce the youth to the outdoors.

Becoming a part of the USA is as easy as filling out their registration form.

30% Savings on Ammunition

In addition to the prize opportunities, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance members enjoy exclusive discounts on ammunition and other outdoor gear through USA member benefits, making membership valuable long after the calendar arrives. Saving 30% on Liberty Ammunition is just another reason it pays to be a member of the USA, and of SMART-TD.

Don’t Forget to Register

If you order a 2027 calendar, be sure to inspect it when it arrives. A winning Golden Calendar will have a special gold emblem inside the back cover. Winners must register their calendar and complete the required verification process within the promotion’s deadlines to claim their prize. All firearm transfers are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws and must be completed through a federally licensed firearms dealer.

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance has long partnered with unions like SMART-TD to support conservation projects, preserve our outdoor heritage, and provide members with unique recreational opportunities. Purchasing the 2027 annual calendar is another way members can support that mission while enjoying the chance to win some outstanding prizes.

To learn more or order your 2027 Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Calendar, visit the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance website.

The post Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Celebrates 20 Years With 20 Benelli M2 Shotguns appeared first on SMART Union.

Together with the members of Local 0002 (Toledo, Ohio), SMART-TD mourns the loss of Brother Scott Shoemaker, who was killed on duty on July 9, 2026.

A conductor off Norfolk Southern for 22 years, Brother Shoemaker was 67 years old.

All who were touched by Scott’s life are welcome to join his family this Sunday, July 19 at Eggleston-Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home (440 S. Coy Road, Oregon, Ohio) from 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and again on Monday, July 20 at 10:00 a.m. before the funeral service begins at 12:00 p.m.

A Beloved Family Man and Proud Railroader

While we are limited as to what we can say about the circumstances that claimed Brother Shoemaker’s life due to the ongoing NTSB investigation, we can talk about the beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and union member that he was.

A Toledo native who was easy to spot thanks to his towering 6’8” frame, Scott originally worked for Seaway Foodtown, Inc. for 25 years before its closure in the early 2000s. After that, he made a major pivot and began his journey as a railroader, traveling to cities from Chicago, Ill. to Harrisburg, Pa.

Brother Shoemaker was deeply proud of his work and the ability that it gave him to provide a good life for his family, including his wife, Carole, and children, Melissa and Joshua.

He was fondly known as a “gentle giant” with a hearty laugh who spoke to others with genuine kindness.

Beyond the rails, Scott could usually be found cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and (by default, thanks to his family) the Cincinnati Reds. He and his wife were avid National Parks’ fans, visiting the Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park.

Brother Shoemaker is survived by his wife and children, three brothers, and many extended family members and friends.

As his loved ones mourn this devastating loss and carry on his legacy, SMART-TD extends our sympathies to all those who were fortunate enough to know Scott.

Rest in peace, Brother Shoemaker, and thank you for being the kind of spouse, parent, and railroader that we should all aspire to be.

The post Funeral Arrangements Begin Sunday for Brother Scott Shoemaker appeared first on SMART Union.

Across much of the Midwest and Eastern part of the country, wildfire smoke is creating dangerous air quality conditions that are affecting millions of people. For SMART-TD members working on locomotives, in yards, on the ground, or anywhere outdoors, this isn’t just another weather event. It’s a workplace hazard.

Wildfire Smoke Is More Than an Inconvenience

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has warned employers that wildfire smoke can present serious health risks for outdoor workers and has urged employers to have plans in place to protect employees when air quality deteriorates.

OSHA recommends monitoring air quality through the EPA’s AirNow system, reducing strenuous work when conditions worsen, providing breaks in cleaner air whenever possible, and allowing the voluntary use of appropriate NIOSH-approved respirators when needed. Those aren’t suggestions to be ignored. They are recognized safety practices designed to keep all American workers healthy.

Railroaders know the job doesn’t stop just because the sky turns hazy. Freight still moves. Passenger trains still operate. Customers still expect service. But no train, no terminal, and no operating plan is more important than your health.

Know the Warning Signs

Wildfire smoke contains microscopic particles that can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, eye irritation, headaches, unusual fatigue, and difficulty breathing. For members with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions, the risks can be even greater.

Protect Yourself and Keep Your Union Informed

If you begin experiencing symptoms that affect your ability to safely perform your job, notify your supervisor immediately. If conditions continue to worsen or you have trouble breathing, move to cleaner air as soon as it is safe to do so and seek medical attention if necessary. Your health is not something to gamble with.

Just as importantly, let your union know.

SMART-TD cannot challenge unsafe practices that we never hear about. If your railroad requires our brothers and sisters to work in hazardous smoke without providing guidance or reasonable protective measures, we need to know. If you are instructed to continue working despite symptoms or unsafe conditions, document what happened and report it.

When reporting wildfire smoke concerns, keep a record of:

• The date, time, and location.
• The Air Quality Index (AQI) for your work area.
• Any symptoms you experienced.
• Who you notified.
• Any instructions you were given by management.

It is not hard to get the AQI for your work area. Just put in the zip code into the search field of this OSHA provided website.

That information can make all the difference if we need to pursue the issue with your carrier or with federal regulators. We are not the canary in the mineshaft. We can’t let ourselves and our coworkers be treated like we are.

SMART-TD Calls For Accountability

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that this situation has happened. In the Summer of 2023, massive wildfires in Canada created many of the same concerns. Following the situation in 2023, OSHA instructed employers to come up with mitigation plans for moments exactly like what is happening today.

SMART-TD is also encouraging our State Legislative Directors and Legislative Representatives of our Locals to request each railroad’s guidance for operating during wildfire smoke events. This is a good opportunity to make sure they followed OSHA’s mandate for one thing, but it also puts the railroads and local managers on notice that we have no intention of allowing them to push our brothers and sisters beyond federal regulations under our current air safety conditions.

Railroaders deserve to know what standards their carrier is following before they are placed in hazardous conditions, not after.

Remember, federal law protects railroad employees who report workplace safety concerns or work-related illnesses in good faith. No employee should face retaliation for raising legitimate health and safety issues. If you believe you are receiving pushback for reporting hazardous conditions or protecting your health, contact your Local Safety and Legislative Representative, or a SMART-TD representative. OSHA is not only the federal agency protecting workers from the known dangers of working in smoke and smog, but, it is also the same agency that handles Whistleblower cases.

You Have the Right to Speak Up

As railroaders, we take pride in getting the job done. That’s part of who we are. But professionalism does not mean ignoring hazards that threaten your health.

Pay attention to changing air quality conditions. Watch for symptoms. Speak up when something isn’t right. Keep your union informed.

Most importantly, remember this: there will always be another train to move. We don’t want anyone risking their health and well-being to prove a point, or to make a manager look good on tomorrow’s conference call.

The post Wildfire Smoke Is a Workplace Hazard. Don’t Ignore It. appeared first on SMART Union.

In response to an emergency motion filed by CSXT, on July 15, 2026, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division, entered a Temporary Restraining Order (“TRO”) in CSX Transportation, Inc. v. SMART-TD, Case No. 3:26-cv-01795-WWB-SJH. The Court directed “SMART-TD and its national and local officers to immediately initiate and undertake all reasonable efforts to prevent and discourage SMART-TD’s divisions, lodges, locals, officers, agents, employees, members, and all persons acting in concert with any of them from engaging in conduct prohibited by the TRO,” including by posting and distributing this notice.

Although SMART-TD is not aware of any activity having occurred to date, the TRO enjoins “SMART-TD, its divisions, lodges, locals, officers, agents, employees, members, and all persons acting in concert or participation with any of them from authorizing, encouraging, permitting, calling, engaging in, or continuing any strike, work stoppage, picketing, slowdown, sickout, or other self-help against CSX Transportation, Inc. or its operating rail subsidiaries over any dispute relating to the interpretation of CSXT’s Attendance Policy or other aspects of System Notice 502.”

Pursuant to the Court’s Order, any SMART-TD member who is engaging in, or who may in the future engage in, any conduct enjoined by the Court’s Order and TRO must immediately cease and desist all such activity and must immediately cease and desist all exhortations or communications encouraging same upon pain of fine, suspension, or other sanction by SMART-TD. Additional information can be found in the Court’s complete Order and TRO below.

The post TRO Issued to SMART-TD Members on CSX to Refrain from Self-Help appeared first on SMART Union.

If you plan on attending the upcoming Baltimore Regional Training Seminar (RTS) at the end of August, you have one month left to finalize your registration.

Space in some of the training tracks is limited and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Online registration is required!

Register for the Baltimore RTS ►    

As a reminder, registration closes on August 17, 2026, and there will be no onsite registration available. Late registration is subject to an additional $50 late fee.

We also encourage you to book your room NOW before the July 31 deadline. Discounted rooms are only available while supplies last.

You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations.

What You Need to Know Before You Go 

The Baltimore Regional Training Seminar (RTS) begins with your arrival on Monday, August 31, 2026, with an evening Welcome Reception at 6:00 pm in the B&O Railroad Museum The training will cover topics such as local governance, the roles and responsibilities of local presidents, secretaries, treasurers, legislative representatives, and local chairpersons in member advocacy, an overview of the SMART Constitution, and other key subjects.    

• Location: Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor    
• Dates: August 31-September 3, 2026 (S&T: August 31-September 4) 
• Room Rate: $189/night   
• Registration Fee: $75 

As we announced last week, the Baltimore RTS will also feature an Assault Prevention Training that’s primarily geared towards SMART-TD’s bus and passenger rail members.

Led by leadership from SMART-TD’s Bus & Transit Assault Prevention & Safety (BTAPS) Committee, attendees will discuss what constitutes unruly behavior, building rapport with passengers early on, and what to do if a violent incident occurs, including how to document it and report it to the BTAPS Committee.

Finalize Your Registration Today! 

Register for the Baltimore RTS ►    
Book Your Hotel Reservation ►

For a detailed meeting agenda, please visit the Meetings page via the SMART Union mobile app. You can also use the app to register for the RTS by selecting “Meetings” from the drop-down menu.

Please contact Nick Torres in the SMART-TD office at 216-227-5269 or by email at ntorres@smart-union.org if you have any registration questions.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to attend our last RTS of 2026! 

The post One Month Left to Register for the Baltimore RTS!  appeared first on SMART Union.

With a unanimous vote, the members of SMART-TD Local 1590 (Van Nuys, Calif.) have ratified a contract with WeDriveU!

Covering bus operators and dispatchers, the agreement includes…

• An immediate, significant hourly wage increase
• Just Cause job protections
• Union Orientation for new hires
• The ability to wear union insignia at work

Ratification Comes After Years of Unexpected Detours on the Road to a Contract

Negotiations are rarely ever considered “easy,” but Local 1590 had a particularly long, hard-fought journey before reaching its recent milestone that demanded years of perseverance.

Originally, the members were employed by Coach USA in California and bounced between a few other properties before eventually ending up at another company called Four Seasons.

Instead of coming to the bargaining table to negotiate a contract once they took over, Four Season simply chose not to recognize the workers as a bargaining unit after realizing that they were organized.

By this point, Local 1590 was simply working off its old, original agreement with Coach USA from several years before.

That’s when SMART-TD leadership got involved and things took an interesting turn.

Close, But No Contract for Local 1590

After Four Season started playing games, SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval and former General Chairperson of GCA-Coach-Pacific Coast (878) Travis Johnson took the situation to the National Labor Relations Board whose decision was straightforward: Four Seasons had to recognize Local 1590, start bargaining a new contract, and post a notice to all employees that they will not interfere with their union protections and bargain in good faith. The company agreed and said that it would follow through with the requirements the Board had given it.

With the decision handed down, VP Sandoval and GC Johnson immediately got to work negotiating a new contract that would replace the old, outdated one.

But after a few months of negotiations with Four Seasons, they were blindsided.

The property was abruptly sold to what was now a fourth company and the significant progress that had been made towards securing a contract was thrown into limbo.

Years of Dedication, Persistence Eventually Pay Off with WeDriveU

Through years of uncertainty and anti-union sentiment from each of the various companies, Local 1590 finally won the contract it deserved with WeDriveU thanks to the tenacity and determination of VP Sandoval and GC Johnson.

It would have been easier to simply throw in the towel over the course of this multi-year fight, but VP Sandoval notes that GC Johnson refused to let that happen.

“Most people or unions would have given up somewhere along the way, but Travis and Local 1590 did the exact opposite,” said VP Sandoval. “Every member of this group deserves credit for knowing what they wanted and that it was worth fighting for. Travis made sure that everyone stuck together, and it paid off.”

Local 1590’s vote is personal for VP Sandoval: it’s his first unanimous ratification vote.

“This is a great feeling. This vote took years to accomplish, especially with everything that the local had thrown at it. I’m proud of Travis and the members for the example that they’ve set within our union.”

Congratulations to Local 1590 for ratifying your new agreement after years of work!

The post Local 1590 Unanimously Ratifies New Agreement with WeDriveU appeared first on SMART Union.

There comes a point in every negotiation when words are no longer enough.

According to SMART-TD General Chairperson Rick Lee of General Committee GO-049, together with his fellow General Chairpersons on CSX’s Southern Region, representing the largest bargaining unit craft on CSX, that point has now arrived.

Negotiations in the railroad industry are never easy. They demand equal parts passion and patience. Lee says SMART-TD’s members have shown plenty of both. But after working without a new agreement for more than a year, he believes it’s time for CSX to stop talking and start showing exactly what it is asking its employees to accept.

His message to the railroad is simple.

“Put your money where your mouth is.”

“We’ve spent enough time listening to talking points, national agreement pattern arguments, and rumors,” Lee said. “If CSX truly believes its on-property proposal is as good as it says it is, then let’s stop the games. Let’s put the offers on the table where the people who actually do the work can see them.”

A Public Challenge

Lee is calling on CSX Labor Relations to join SMART-TD on neutral ground for a public town hall focused on one issue: transparency.

The proposal is straightforward.

Both sides would present their current bargaining positions for CSX employees to see. Members could compare the proposals themselves instead of relying on Carrier publications, rumors, social media posts, or secondhand accounts.

“If they’re proud of their current offer in mediation, then show it,” Lee said. “I’m more than prepared to do the same.”

Lee says railroaders at CSX deserve to know why negotiations remain unfinished and exactly where the differences between the two sides still exist.

“Our members have earned that much,” he said.

Members Already Spoke Once

The current dispute did not begin yesterday.

In the fall of 2024, SMART-TD GO-049 General Chairperson Rick Lee and CSX reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) before formal bargaining for the 2025 bargaining round had fully opened. When that agreement was presented to the membership, it was rejected by a decisive margin of 66%. The CSRA SMART-TD General Committees did not reach a TA with CSX in 2024, due to conflicts with CSX’s proposal and their CSRA Agreement.  

The vote under GO-049, and the nearly 2400 members it represents at CSX, sent a clear message.

Members wanted changes.

According to Lee, SMART-TD expected CSX to return to the bargaining table and negotiate. That is the obvious expectation anyone would have, and that the Carrier’s next proposal would move closer to the concerns expressed by the membership. Instead, the offers CSX has presented during negotiations, and continues to present in mediation today, have moved in the opposite direction. “Their proposals have actually been getting worse, not better,” Lee said.

“Our members have already made it clear they are not willing to accept CSX’s initial settlement offer, and, apparently in some form of retaliation against its own employees, the Carrier’s proposals have continued to move further away from an acceptable resolution,” Lee said. “It doesn’t make sense to come back with a proposal the membership views as less valuable. That is not how good faith negotiations work, and it certainly is not how you demonstrate respect for my men and women, who are CSX’s employees.”

Fairness Matters

One of the biggest issues to date involves other on-property negotiated patterns in the 2025 bargaining round. That local pattern at CSX is based on term years and overall value.

The SMART-TD General Committees at CSX were the first T&E transportation service bargaining groups on CSX to negotiate paid sick leave. GO-049 negotiated their paid sick leave agreement in April of 2023. The CSRA paid sick leave agreement came shortly after. That achievement did not come automatically. It was won through bargaining on quid pro quo concepts, and concessions during bargaining were made to secure it.

Since then, engineers represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) negotiated paid sick leave in their 2025 on-property agreement during last year’s 2025 bargaining round.

Lee of GO-049, together with the CSRA General Chairpersons, argues that those improvements added significant economic value to the BLET’s 2025 bargaining round settlement. However, because SMART-TD members had already negotiated paid sick leave on other quid pro quo bases, CSX has refused to provide equivalent economic value in SMART-TD’s 2025 on-property bargaining package.

Their position is fundamentally sound. The on-property pattern established during the 2025 bargaining round at CSX is based on the overall economic value of the settlement, and our members should not receive less value simply because SMART-TD successfully negotiated paid sick leave through quid pro quo exchanges in 2023, helping establish the industry’s paid sick leave pattern.

“Doing the right thing first shouldn’t put you behind everyone else,” Lee said.

The Clock Keeps Ticking

While negotiations continue at a snail’s pace due to the Carrier’s resistance to offer proposals on fair overall value, thousands of SMART-TD members continue moving freight across the CSX system every day, shouldering the significant impacts of sharp inflation.

They remain available around the clock, work on holidays, weekends, and nights, and continue serving customers, all while waiting for a new 2025 agreement.

Lee and the CSRA General Chairpersons reject suggestions that SMART-TD is intentionally delaying the process.

“We have every reason to get this settled,” Lee said. “The people I and my fellow General Chairpersons on the south represent are the ones living without the pay increases since July 1, 2024. Nobody on our side benefits from dragging this out.”

He also emphasized that agreements have been reached, or are progressing, with multiple other railroads represented under Lee’s General Committee.

“That tells me the problem isn’t that SMART-TD isn’t willing to negotiate,” Lee said. “The problem is getting meaningful engagement and movement from CSX. I currently preside over and administer fifteen (15) different rail agreements and have reached on-property settlements with several other Carriers that passed with an overwhelming majority of the affected members. Dealing with CSX, on the other hand, at least these days, is nearly impossible because they do not engage in good faith bargaining. Rather, they want to tell you what they will offer and refuse to negotiate from there. That mentality only serves as a recipe for a stalemate.

That is the reason CSX is trying to put us, by way of denying their employees a fair deal, in the ‘penalty box,’ so to speak. Their tactic is to pressure employees into accepting a deal on CSX’s terms through frustration and duress, while hoping the members will believe it is the Union’s fault. That is why I am very thankful we have such a strong membership. Our members who work at CSX know exactly the games the Carrier likes to play.

At the end of the day, we stand united, and we are all in this together until we get a fair deal. Period.”

Time For the Truth

Lee believes the quickest way to end speculation is for both sides to let railroaders who will live under this contract judge the facts for themselves.

For years, railroaders have heard competing claims about who is responsible for the slow pace of bargaining and whether the current proposals are fair.

Lee says there is a simple solution.

Release the offers.

Let the men and women whose lives are directly affected see what is actually on the table. In contract negotiations, the parties typically cannot disclose what items are being bargained on in real time, because in the natural course of negotiations things can change at any time, or items can be traded in quid pro quo exchanges at some point, in order to reach a final deal. The Carrier operates under this same and centralized bargaining logic. However, now they attempt to distribute misinformation on what their current proposal really is.

“CSX has spent plenty of time telling people how good its offer is, and that SMART-TD is the problem standing in the way of a good contract,” Lee said. “Now we’re just asking them to prove it.”

In like fashion, the SMART-TD General Chairpersons on CSX’s Southern Region (CSRA), Joe Bennett, Brian Killough, and Travis Raynes, share the same sentiments as General Chairperson Lee on the Northern Mid Atlantic District. While they are governed by their own CSRA on property Agreement, they indicate that CSX has continued to play the same games with them, and their members likewise remain without a new agreement or pay increases since their last increase on July 1, 2024, under the 2020 bargaining round.

“CSX needs to put its ego aside and come to the bargaining table with a fair deal. While we did not reach a Tentative Agreement in 2024 like GO-049, due to our own issues and conflicts under the CSRA Agreement, CSX has likewise retreated to a childish style of system wide punishment directed at its own workforce. It is time for CSX to offer a proposal that reflects the same overall economic value as other local agreements reached through collective bargaining, just as we are seeking. We join General Chairperson Lee in challenging CSX to discuss the details publicly so the truth is out for everyone to see. Just name the time and place,” Joe Bennett, Brian Killough, and Travis Raynes said.

For SMART-TD, this challenge is about more than one contract.

It is about respect.

It is about transparency.

It is about the fact that railroaders deserve not to be lied to.

And above all, it is about making sure the railroaders who keep CSX moving every single day have the opportunity to see exactly what both sides are asking them to support.

The challenge has been issued.

The next move belongs to CSX.

The post “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is”: SMART-TD Challenges CSX to Make Its Current Contract Offer Public appeared first on SMART Union.

Every day, SMART-TD’s bus and passenger rail members interact with thousands of people. That puts them in a unique position to notice when something isn’t right and, in some cases, help protect someone who may be in danger.

Yesterday (July 8, 2026), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) released updated resources reminding transit employees how to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking and where to report suspected cases. While these materials were developed with busy summer travel and major public events in mind, the information is valuable at any time of year.

SMART-TD is making these resources available to our members within 24 hours of receiving them, because knowledge is one of the most effective safety tools we have. No one expects transit professionals to investigate suspected trafficking, but knowing the warning signs and the proper way to report concerns can help law enforcement intervene while keeping employees and the riding public safe.

One additional sign worth knowing is the internationally recognized “Signal for Help.” If someone folds their thumb into the palm of their hand and then closes their four fingers over it, they may be silently asking for help in a situation where they cannot safely speak. While this gesture is most commonly associated with domestic violence and is not specific to human trafficking, it should be treated as another possible indicator that someone needs assistance. As with any concern, members should follow their employer’s procedures and notify the appropriate authorities rather than attempting to intervene on their own.

We encourage our bus and passenger rail members to take a few minutes to review the FTA’s guidance and share it with their coworkers. Awareness is often the first step toward protecting those who are most vulnerable.

The FTA’s announcement and resource links are provided below.

Prepare for Summer Events with Human-Trafficking Prevention Resources for Transit

As summer brings increased tourism, major sporting events, festivals, concerts and other activities to your area, you can help prepare for the crowds and reinforce community safety by knowing the signs of human trafficking as you prepare for summer events. 

Recognize the Signs

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has shared a list of human trafficking indicators to help transportation employees stay vigilant. While no single indicator can confirm a human trafficking situation, several combined indicators may increase the likelihood that a person is actively being targeted, recruited, or exploited. Signs may include an individual who is: 

• Not in control of their own money, passes, or phone
• Controlled by or unusually submissive to their travel companion 
• Not allowed to speak for themselves 
• Unaware of their route or location 

Consider sharing the complete list with colleagues to help them know what to look for, as transit workers can serve as a community’s eyes and ears.

Resources

FTA and USDOT have several resources available to help transit industry personnel identify, report, and prevent human trafficking: 

• Transit industry resources to counter human trafficking: These resources from USDOT include a 20-minute training and downloadable awareness materials to help transit workers and riders identify and report suspected instances of human trafficking. 
• FTA Major Event Playbook: FTA’s playbook is a practical guide with key considerations to help transit agencies navigate federal transit requirements related to hosting major events. It also includes a section on combatting human trafficking. 
• FTA’s Human Trafficking Awareness and Public Safety Initiative web page: FTA’s web page links to resources such as past webinars featuring transit organizations’ approaches to identifying and preventing human trafficking. 
• How to Report Suspected Human Trafficking: This USDOT web page provides information on where to report suspected trafficking, such as to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and best practices for providing a detailed tip to authorities. 

Together, the transit industry can play a critical role in identifying, reporting and preventing this crime. 

Links:
Indicators of Human Trafficking
FTA Major Event Playbook
USDOT Counter Human Trafficking Resources
FTA’s Human Trafficking Awareness and Public Safety Initiative
National Human Trafficking Hotline

The post FTA Shares Resources to Help Recognize Human Trafficking appeared first on SMART Union.

Brother Tim Brock (Local 1504, Sanford, Fla.) holds lots of titles: husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, son, friend, SMART-TD member, and CSX conductor, just to name a few.

For over three years, he’s been fighting Stage 4 colon cancer that initially spread to his liver and continues to wreak havoc on his body.

As his battle with this relentless disease rages on and he undergoes various treatments, Brother Brock and his family are asking for the help of our union family to ease some of the steep financial burden associated with his specialized care.

Join the Brock Strong Movement and help our union brother in his three-year fight against colon cancer ►

Insurance Doesn’t Cover Treatment Brother Brock is Seeking

After his initial diagnosis in March of 2023, Brother Brock began a grueling cycle of chemotherapy, radiation, procedures, and hospital stays that have been both physically and emotionally draining for him and his family.

In an interview with SMART News, Brother Brock made it clear: he refused to be a statistic when he was first diagnosed and did his research to see what other options might be available to extend and improve his quality of life.

Over three years later, he’s pursuing a specialized, holistic treatment to help him recover from chemotherapy and ultimately improve his quality of life to extend his fight.

However, even though Brother Brock has health insurance, this treatment is not covered by ANY insurance plan.

Including travel, lodging, related medical expenses, and the treatment itself, Brother Brock and his family are looking at a cost of approximately $65,000.

No matter how large or small, any contribution that you’re able to make will help ease the Brock Family’s financial burden and give them more time with a man who’s fighting every day to spend more time with his loved ones.

Even if you’re not able to donate, the simple act of sharing Brother Brock’s story helps reach more of our members and more people who can join the Brock Strong Movement.

Bracelets Also Available to Show Support for Brock Family

The Brock Strong Movement also plans on selling Brock Strong bracelets to help raise awareness around Tim’s fight and contribute towards his treatment expenses.

Described by Brother Brock as representing faith, strength, hope, perseverance, and the power of a community coming together to support someone in need, an e-mail address will be set up within the next couple of weeks for anyone who makes a donation to request a bracelet if they’d like one.

Please keep an eye on the GoFundMe page for additional information.

Help Our Union Brother in His Time of Need

No one should have to fight cancer alone, and Brother Brock has poured himself into this battle for over three years.

As his union family, it’s time for us to step up and help our brother as he literally fights for his life.

Brother Brock and his family are deeply appreciative of any support that you’re able to provide.

Let’s show what solidarity truly looks like: please consider helping Brother Tim Brock or sharing his story today. ►

The post Local 1504 Member Pursues Specialized Treatment While Battling Stage 4 Colon Cancer appeared first on SMART Union.

SMART-TD members have the opportunity to shape the future of their Local by electing the brothers and sisters who will represent, protect and serve them. In 2026, Locals across the country will elect officers and committeepersons who keep our union running, defend our agreements and ensure every member has a voice.

Whether you’re thinking about running for office, nominating a fellow member or simply casting your ballot, understanding what each position does is one of the most important parts of the election process.

The strongest Locals are built by members who step up to serve.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, SMART-TD is committed to developing strong leaders through regional training seminars and officer education programs. We provide position-specific training, so every Local officer has the tools and knowledge needed to succeed and serve their brothers and sisters. 

Positions on the 2026 Ballot

Local President 
Provides general supervision of the Local, enforces the Constitution and bylaws, chairs meetings, signs official documents, and oversees the work of the Local.  

Vice President 
Supports the President in carrying out the business of the Local and assumes the President’s duties whenever necessary.  

Secretary 
Maintains meeting records, handles official correspondence, manages notices and election paperwork, and keeps members informed of important Local business.  

Treasurer 
Safeguards Local finances, maintains financial records, prepares reports, and ensures members’ dues are properly managed and accounted for. In most Locals, the positions of Secretary and Treasurer are combined. 

Board of Trustees 
Provides financial oversight by auditing the Treasurer’s records and helping ensure accountability to the membership.  

Local Chairperson 
Serves as the primary representative for the Local Committee of Adjustment by handling claims, discipline hearings, and grievances. LCs protect members’ contractual rights every day.  

Vice Local Chairperson 
Assists the Chairperson with claims and member representation while standing ready to assume those responsibilities whenever needed.  

LCA Secretary 
Provides administrative assistance, specific to the LCA.

Safety and Legislative Representatives (SLRs) and Vice SLRs will be elected in 2027.

Every office matters. Every officer contributes. Every member benefits. 

As you consider running for office, nominating a candidate or casting your vote, think about the responsibilities each position carries. Choose leaders who are committed to serving their brothers and sisters, protecting our agreements and strengthening our union.

SMART-TD has always been built by members who answered the call to serve. If that sounds like you, now is the time to step forward. Your Local, your fellow members and the future of our union depend on strong leaders who are ready to answer that call.

The post Who Will Lead Your Local? 2026 Elections Put the Future in Your Hands appeared first on SMART Union.