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Monday, December 29, 2025 — Illinois Safety & Legislative Director Bob Guy was on hand for another SMART-TD legislative victory as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act into law.

The NITA Act creates a new $1.5 billion transit authority to oversee CTA, Metra, and Pace. Labor will have a seat on the transition team tasked with replacing Chicago’s old transit administration with the new system.

Earlier this year, the Windy City faced a “doomsday” financial situation that threatened 40% service cuts to their transit system, which would have slashed weekday routes and crippled early morning and late evening service.

As extensively covered by SMART News throughout the year, these cuts would have devastated any of Chicago’s citizens who rely on transit to get around their city, not to mention our union brothers and sisters who provide those services. Guy and the SMART-TD legislative team spent the year organizing support for the new agency and the funding it represents. His hard work is now the law of the land.

Click here to learn more about the extensive history behind this longstanding issue, how our labor family put the concept of solidarity into action, and what this means for the future of Chicago transit. ►

SMART-TD’s Illinois Safety & Legislative Director Bob Guy (third from left)

FRA and SMART-TD Highlight Deadly Risks in Switching Operations

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A recent Safety Alert issued by the Switching Operations Fatality Analysis (SOFA) Working Group underscores the very real and ongoing dangers faced by railroad workers during switching operations.  

SOFA emphasizes several critical reminders for all railroad employees:  

  • Ensure equipment is clear of adjacent tracks before shove movements. 
  • Remain especially alert during continuous switching. 
  • Stop the movement immediately when uncertainty exists.  
  • Always conduct a new job briefing when conditions or plans change. 

SOFA data shows that close or no clearance remains among the most common contributing factors in switching fatalities industrywide, with findings drawn from more than 210 switching-related deaths analyzed since 1992. 

Recent Death Underscores SOFA Alert 

The alert follows a tragic incident on December 13, 2025, in which a conductor (and a SMART-TD Brother) was fatally injured during a shove move while switching cars.  

According to the SOFA alert, the incident occurred during a set out of a long block of empty cars. After stopping on the main line, the conductor cut away from the rear block of cars and pulled ahead to line the switch back into the siding. However, the cars remaining on the main were left in the foul (beyond the clearance point). Subsequently, the shove move was initiated into the siding and struck the cars that were left in the foul on the main, resulting in an impact that derailed equipment and trapped the conductor underneath, leading to his fatal injuries. 

SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) President Jeremy Ferguson said the alert is a sobering reminder of the responsibility railroaders carry, not just for themselves, but for one another. 

“Staying vigilant and focused on personal safety is critical, especially with the distractions that come with this time of year,” Ferguson said. “But just as important is being your brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. We have to look out for one another, work safely for the crew behind us, and never lose sight of the fact that every single one of us deserves to get home safely at the end of our shift.” 

SMART-TD encourages all members to read this SOFA Alert and to take it seriously. Please discuss it during job briefings, and recommit to clear communication, proper clearances, and stopping movements when something doesn’t look or feel right. Safety is not just an individual obligation. It is a shared responsibility across the entire crew and our entire union family. 

In its ongoing commitment to support the children and grandchildren of SMART-TD members, American Journey Financial Life (AJFL) is offering 50 four-year college scholarships and 50 two-year trade school scholarships at $2,000 per student, per year. 

The application acceptance period opens January 15, 2026 and runs through March 31, 2026.

Click here to access the official rules and scholarship application. ►

The scholarships are awarded by chance and are renewable for up to four years after verifying enrollment for the fall term. Winners’ names will be drawn after the application deadline. Students are required to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to keep the scholarship. 

Eligibility Requirements 

  • Students age 25 or younger and a U.S. citizen 
  • High school senior (or equivalent) 
  • Acceptance offered or already enrolled for at least 12 credit hours at an accredited institution of higher learning (university, college or junior college, nursing or technical school offering college credit) 
  • Child, grandchild of, or owner of an AJFL policy issued by December 31, 2025.  

Only one application per student will be accepted.

Questions may be directed to Nancy Dailey at (216) 227-5290. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Independence, Ohio — December 19, 2025—The SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) commends the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for their decisive action to strengthen safety of our cross-border freight rail operations. 

Their actions follow from FRA inspections that identified serious safety concerns, including difficulties interpreting General Track Bulletins, communicating with dispatchers and emergency responders, and inconsistencies in hazardous materials documentation. All these issues pose unacceptable risks in U.S. rail operations. 

As a result, the FRA has clarified and reinforced the federal safety requirements to ensure trains operating on U.S. rail infrastructure are handled by properly certified, qualified, and English-proficient professionals. 

“These actions by the FRA and DOT reaffirm a fundamental principle of rail safety in this country: trains operating in the United States must be operated by crews who are fully qualified under U.S. law and able to communicate clearly in safety-critical situations,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “We thank Secretary Duffy, the FRA, and Administrator David Fink for listening to working railroaders and taking meaningful steps to protect our members, our communities, and the American public.” 

Key Safety Clarification and Requirements

Under the FRA’s clarified approvals and directives: 

  • Only FRA-certified locomotive engineers and conductors may operate trains in the United States. 
  • Foreign-domiciled crews who are FRA-certified and proficient in English may operate freight trains no more than 10 miles into the United States from the point of entry, solely to reach an established recrew point. 
  • Any foreign crew that does not meet FRA certification requirements, English proficiency requirements, or both, must be stopped and recrewed immediately at the first available location, as determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Border Patrol. 
  • If a foreign crew requires the assistance of a translator or interpreter, that individual is performing a safety-critical function and must also be certified by the FRA in accordance with 49 CFR Parts 240 and 242 (Conductor and Engineer Qualified). 

These requirements follow FRA inspections that identified serious safety concerns, including difficulties interpreting General Track Bulletins, communicating with dispatchers and emergency responders, and inconsistencies in hazardous materials documentation. These issues pose unacceptable risks in U.S. rail operations. 

A Win for Rail Safety and Accountability

SMART-TD emphasized that these decisions do not restrict commerce but rather ensure that cross-border operations meet the same safety standards required of U.S. railroaders every day. 

“Our members operate under rigorous certification standards because lives depend on it,” National Safety & Legislative Director Jared Cassity stated. “The FRA’s actions make clear that safety is not optional, and that language barriers, insufficient training, or uncertified personnel have no place in U.S. rail operations.” 

SMART-TD also praised the FRA for continuing its comprehensive review of cross-border rail practices and for requiring rail carriers to update personnel policies to comply with federal safety law. 

Ongoing Commitment to Safety

Deputy National Safety & Legislative Director Don Roach specifically acknowledged Secretary Duffy, Administrator David Fink, and FRA safety professionals for their continued engagement with labor and their commitment to proactive oversight. 

“We look forward to continued collaboration with the DOT and FRA as they evaluate cross-border operations and ensure that rail safety remains the top priority,” SMART-TD said. “These decisions send a clear message: protecting railroad workers and the public will always come first.” 

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For more information or to connect with SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson or a member of his leadership team, please contact: 

Dan Banks 
dbanks@smart-union.org  
(216) 227-5283 (Office)  
(330) 322-5949 (Cell)  

Alyssa Hansen 
alyssa.hansen@smart-union.org 

As the new year approaches, SMART-TD is announcing the schedule for our 2026 Regional Training Seminars (RTS). Introduced in 2020, these seminars provide local officers with essential tools and skills to serve our members effectively. 

2025’s Regional Training Seminars broke attendance records and produced historic results thanks to our shared commitment to education, empowerment and solidarity.  
 
Well-trained SMART-TD representatives achieved multiple milestones, including: 

  • A notable increase in the win rate of appeals, a direct result of thoroughly prepared Local Chairpersons who are now better equipped to stand up for their members.  
  • Reporting has become timelier and more accurate as our Presidents, Legislative Representatives (LRs), and Secretaries & Treasurers (S&Ts) perform their duties at a higher level than ever. 
  • A significant increase in the volume and quality of legislation SMART-TD drives at the state and local level. 

2026 RTS Dates and Locations 

  • Saint Paul, MN: June 22-June 25 (S&T: June 22-26) 
    InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront 
    Room Rate: $159/night | Registration Fee: $75 
  • Baltimore, MD: August 31-September 3 (S&T: August 31-September 4) 
    Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor 
    Room Rate: $189/night | Registration Fee: $75 

Only two RTS events are planned for 2026.  

Why Attend an RTS? 

RTS sessions prepare leaders to navigate the challenges faced by our members with confidence. SMART-TD is recognized as the gold standard in representing rail and bus workers, and these seminars are one of the reasons why.   

Who Should Attend? 

All local officers are encouraged to participate. Sessions are tailored for Local Presidents, Local Chairpersons, Secretary and Treasurers, Safety and Legislative Representatives, and others. Officers from all crafts, including Bus, Passenger Rail, and Freight Rail, will benefit from this training. 

Prepare To Register 

Registration for the Saint Paul RTS opens soon. Check our website, emails, and social media for updates.  

If you were on the fence about attending an RTS this year and didn’t make it to one, don’t miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills and add to SMART-TD’s growing momentum in the new year!

Washington, D.C. — Dec. 16, 2025—As transit agencies across the country continue facing funding shortfalls and security concerns, a bill introduced last week by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and John Fetterman aims to address the problem.

Endorsed by SMART-TD, the Moving Transit Forward Act creates a new federal funding program to help transit systems deploy service improvements and safety upgrades.

“SMART-TD strongly supports Senator Van Hollen in this effort to make federal transit funding work for the people on the front lines of our nation’s transportation systems,” said National Safety & Legislative Director Jared Cassity. “The Moving Transit Forward Act empowers communities to direct essential safety funding where it’s needed most: protecting operators, passengers, and the public by making transit systems safer and more secure for everyone.”

The money will come from modifications to the Federal Transportation Administration’s Urbanized Area Formula Funding program, which provides transit funding to local governments or other approved organizations that serve 50,000 or more people.  

Mounting Safety and Service Problems Demand Congress Revisit the Bill

The legislation was originally filed in May of 2024 but failed to gain traction. 

Since then, countless headlines have described one transit agency after another forced to grapple with possible service cuts due to financial shortfalls or increasing dangers faced by transit operators and the riding public.

SMART News has covered both the funding crisis and transit safety issues extensively this year, and many of our members are on the front lines of both problems.

“This bill will help ensure that transit agencies have the resources they need to provide consistently safe and efficient service to the millions of Americans who depend on public transit every day,” said Senator Van Hollen. 

Transit systems are vital to communities across the country, and we are optimistic that the Moving Transit Forward Act will be a game changer for agencies, operators, and riders across the country. 
 

SMART-TD is mourning the tragic loss of Brother Steven “Baby Crowe” Crowe II, who was killed on the job on December 3.  Because the situation is an active National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation, our ability to comment on the circumstances is limited.

We can share that Steven was a beloved member of Local 1422 (Los Angeles, CA) who hired on with Union Pacific in 2014. He was proud to follow in the railroading footsteps of his father, Steven Crowe, Sr. (Local 1846, West Colton, CA).

Whether you knew him as “Baby Crowe,” “Birdie,” or “Brother Steve,” Steven touched many lives and embodied what it means to be a true union brother.  If you are able to help his family navigate his sudden passing, please consider donating to his GoFundMe by clicking the link below or scanning the QR code.

Support the Family of Steven Crowe II ►

A “Clamper” with Diverse Interests and Passions

“Steven was a wonderful union brother and friend to many in the crew rooms of Southern California, Yermo, California, and Yuma, Arizona,” reflected LCA 887B Local Chairperson Anthony Ray. “He will be missed dearly.”

A warm and magnetic soul with a gift for storytelling (even if some of those stories went on a little too long), Steven also loved punk music, spending time in nature and fellowship with those who were most important to him.

He was especially proud to be a “Clamper” with the Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus (ECV), a historic fraternity whose unique blend of absurdist fun and deep commitment to brotherhood spoke to Steven on a deeper level.

Steven is survived by his wife, Theresa, three children (Dylan, Braden, and Makensie), his father, Steve Crow, Sr., his stepmother, Elizabeth “Beth” Crowe, his mother Joni, his sisters and extended family.  

Please Help if You Can 

SMART news will share details about Steven’s Celebration of Life that’s planned for after the holidays when they become available.

Thank you for honoring Steven’s family with the same kindness that he showed toward his union family. 

Hard-Fought Negotiations Deliver Gains in Pay, Benefits, and Quality of Life

After months of difficult negotiations, the members of SMART-TD Local 1594 (Upper Darby, PA) have achieved a new tentative agreement with SEPTA. General Chairperson Anthony Petty, along with Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval, successfully negotiated advances in safety, pay, benefits, work rules, and quality of life.  

No Self-Driving Transit 

Notably, SMART-TD members are guaranteed that they will not be replaced by automated vehicles. As driverless taxis continue to cause safety problems in cities where they have been deployed, we believe this is not only a job-security issue: it is a public safety emergency. This guarantee extends one year beyond the life of the contract. 

Quarterly meetings will also be held focusing on improving members’ quality of work life, as the parties work towards a specific agreement focused on meal layovers.  

SMART-TD Strike Averted by Last Minute Bargaining

This contract did not come easy. SMART-TD and SEPTA had very different ideas about what a fair agreement should look like. Talks grew tense, and our SEPTA brothers and sisters came closer to taking strike action than we’ve seen in years. Our negotiating team was guided by one simple truth: SMART-TD members are the skilled professionals who keep Philadelphia moving, and we deserve equal respect and protection. 

We also want to recognize SEPTA’s leadership team for staying at the table. Despite our differences, SEPTA ultimately showed professionalism and recognized the value our members bring to their system and their city. In the end, that respect made this hard-fought deal possible. 

To Our Members: This Victory is Yours 

Your skill, your dedication, and your daily work on the streets and trolley lines of Philadelphia made the difference. Your professionalism keeps the riding public safe and the system running smoothly even as the talks dragged on. Your solidarity gave our negotiating team the strength to keep pushing. Your unmatched work ethic reminded SEPTA that our members are the most valuable resource in Philadelphia’s transit network. 

The new agreement brings SMART-TD members to parity with the other unions on the property and sets the stage for a future built on respect, fairness, and shared purpose. 

This was a hard-fought win is another example of why this union is here: when SMART-TD members stand together, we move forward—with strength, unity and respect from our employers. 

Congratulations to every member of SMART-TD Local 1594. You’ve earned this victory. 

SMART-TD Local 1190 (Ludlow, Kentucky) has a longstanding tradition of presenting a gold retirement bell to its members at the end of their careers.

Brother Thomas D. Hein (Local 1190) was set to receive his retirement bell in September of 2025 but sadly passed away nearly a year earlier in October of 2024.

As a 36-year member who served as both a Local Chairman for LCA 898B and the Secretary for GCA 898 under General Chairperson Tommy Gholson, Brother Hein’s union family was determined that he still receive his retirement award after his passing.

On December 9, 2025, Local 1190 presented Brother Hein’s retirement bell to his wife, Paula, and his sons, Zach and Jack. Belonging to a union is more than a contract and membership card; we stand together when we’re here and honor one another when we’re gone.

“It was an honor to present Brother Hein’s retirement bell to his beloved family and continue this tradition,” said Local 1190 President Robert Munch. “We miss him and his service to our union every day, but we wanted to show his loved ones that they’re just as much a part of our organization as he was. Whether in life or death, the bonds of our union family run deep.” 

SMART-TD has launched a confidential survey today that was randomly distributed to 7,500 members, including both our Transportation Division and our Sheet Metal brothers and sisters. If you receive it, please know this survey is legitimate and conducted by The DFM Group, our trusted third-party partner, who will keep all responses completely anonymous. No personal information will be shared or connected to your survey. The survey will arrive via e-mail or text from the National Safety & Legislative Department.

The purpose of this survey is to ensure that SMART-TD can accurately represent the views and priorities of our members as we lobby for new laws and regulations. Your participation is vital. By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you help strengthen our ability to advocate for safer workplaces, fairer policies, and stronger protections. The more voices we hear, the better we can serve you.