Category: Bus news
From Stuck in Traffic to Blazing the Trail: The Rise of AVP Markeisha Haynes
Alternate Vice President Markeisha Haynes has ascended the ranks of SMART-TD leadership while still working as a Bus Operator, ensuring that she stays connected to her members’ needs and fights for the changes that they want to see. As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to learn more about her 20-year union journey, including what she considers her most significant accomplishment that came from simply trusting her gut.
LACMTA Operators Benefit from Year of Safety Wins
After leading groundbreaking Operator safety efforts in 2024, SMART-TD General Committee of Adjustment (GCA) 875 matched and exceed those achievements last year. This comes at a pivotal moment as assaults on transit Operators nationwide continue to increase. Read on to learn how GCA-875 is keeping safety at the forefront of its work.
Driverless Vehicles Raise Serious Concerns
The influx of recent headlines makes it clear: when it comes to autonomous vehicles, safety usually takes a back seat. This poses a danger to both our rail and bus members. Read on to learn how one incident in Texas reignited these concerns and why new technology must support safety and workers.
Safety Starts With Us
Rail Carriers and Transit Agencies have shifted injury and safety hazard reporting out of crew rooms and into less accessible digital systems. Read on to see how SMART-TD aims to restore real-time hazard awareness and empower members and local officers to protect one another on the job.
Stand with Sister Nydia Sandoval on Monday!
After Sister Nydia Sandoval (Local 1785) was brutally attacked on the job on October 19, her assailant is scheduled to make a court appearance Monday morning. SMART-TD is asking our members in the Santa Monica and surrounding areas to attend the hearing in solidarity with our union sister and transit professionals nationwide. Read on to learn how you can show your support.
In Loving Memory of Brother Darryl Redmon
Local 1704 (Kansas City, MO) and SMART-TD honor the memory of Brother Darryl Redmon, General Chairperson of GO-STU (First Student 1704), whose brief but impactful tenure exemplified servant leadership, union advocacy, and compassionate service. Read on to see how his legacy endures through the lives he touched, the contracts he influenced, and the deep respect he earned among colleagues, family, and his community.
San Carlos School Bus Operators ratify substantial wage and 401(k) increases
San Carlos school bus operators in SMART-TD Local 1741 have overwhelmingly ratified a new two-year contract with a 96% approval rate, securing significant improvements in wages, retirement benefits, union protections, and grievance procedures. The agreement includes a 6.8% wage increase, a doubled 401(k) match, and new union release time, marking a major win for worker representation and financial security. Read on for more details of this precedent setting win for SMART-TD's Bus Department.
New Mexico Local 1687 sets new precedent with Red Apple Transit
Local 1687 bus Operators at Red Apple Transit in Farmington, NM have unanimously ratified a four-year agreement securing a 22.13% wage increase and major quality-of-life improvements, including expanded sick leave, more paid holidays, and a flexible bereavement policy. This landmark deal not only addresses employee retention issues but also sets new precedents that could influence transit union negotiations nationwide.