Railroad Day on Capitol Hill Is On, Virtually
Registration is now open for this year’s Railroad Day on Capitol Hill, to be held virtually April 13-14.
SMART
SMART union urges members on FRA interest in autonomous trains
The International Association of Sheet Metal Air Rail and Transportation (SMART) Workers urged union members to take notice of a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has request for information (RFI) about autonomous trains.
SMART offers free service during wildfires
As wildfires burn in its service region, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) will continue to provide free train service for passengers through Sunday, Oct.15 to assist evacuees and others who need transportation options.
CSX union tells Harrison: Don’t blame us
A CSX transportation union is pushing back against comments by President and Chief Executive Hunter Harrison, who recently blamed employees in part for the railroad’s service problems.
CSX, mechanical unions reach tentative agreement
CSX Corporation and two leading mechanical unions, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), announced a landmark partnership on Sept. 28, 2015, “that will enhance benefits for CSX employees and further improve productivity.”
CalSTA backs $224 million in transit and intercity rail grants
The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) announced on June 30, 2015 this year’s recipients of $224 million in competitive grants that support high-quality public transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions causing worldwide climate change. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is providing funding for these climate investments, using proceeds from the state’s cap-and-trade auctions.
SMART will have new president May 1
One of the largest rail labor unions—the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)—will have a new president May 1 upon the unexpected retirement April 30 of SMART General President Joseph J. Nigro.
SMART CFO: Project fiscally sound
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) service “is two years away from the start of passenger service between the Sonoma County Airport and downtown San Rafael” in northern California, and the project “is on solid financial footing,” according to SMART Chief Financial Officer Erin McGrath.
Commentary
BLET in catbird seat over crew consist
News item: Vouchsafed to work jointly in gaining legislation or regulation mandating two crew members on every freight train are the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Union (SMART) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).
Commentary
When you get a good deal, take it
Arbitrator Robert O. Harris told the United Transportation Union (UTU) and railroads in 1991, then unable to agree at the bargaining table, “Welcome to the oldest established craps game in Washington. Like the suckers in ‘Guys and Dolls,’ you are risking your futures on the roll of the dice [when you fail to make a voluntary agreement].”