SMART Union

Railroader’s Son to Perform at Carnegie Hall
“A.J.” Hamburger Jr. will take the stage at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the National Honors Bands Performance Series. A.J. is the son of BNSF conductor and SMART-TD Local 934 (Alliance, Nebraska) Vice Local Chairperson Aaron Hamburger. On February 8, 2026, A.J. will join only 350 students out of more than 10,000 applicants worldwide. Read on to learn more about this accomplishment. The post Railroader’s Son to Perform at Carnegie Hall appeared first on SMART Union. — Nov 26
Union Members Head to College Thanks to Tuition Benefit
As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, remember that a flexible and affordable way to reach your higher education goals is on the menu. Launched earlier this year, the Union College Benefit program has become a popular option for SMART-TD union members and their families. Read on to learn how you can enroll today. The post Union Members Head to College Thanks to Tuition Benefit appeared first on SMART Union. — Nov 25
New Business Managers class helps local leaders fight for members across North America
During the week of November 17, 2025, new local union leaders gathered in St. Louis, Mo., for the SMART Education Department’s New Business Managers class. The class — extended to five days for 2025 — focused on management of a local union by looking at all its parts and functions: leadership, staff, representation, resources, trust funds, organizing and community relationships. The post New Business Managers class helps local leaders fight for members across North America appeared first on SMART Union. — Nov 24
Rail Trespassing and Suicide Fatalities Up 70%
Trespasser and suicide-related incidents now account for 50 percent of all transit-related fatalities reported in 2024. Between 2016 and 2024, these events have risen sharply, with major incidents up 71 percent, fatalities up 70 percent, and injuries up 65 percent. The Federal Transit Administration has issued new recommendations for transit agencies to confront this crisis, along with resources for railroaders who are forced to contend with the aftermath of these incidents. The post Rail Trespassing and Suicide Fatalities Up 70% appeared first on SMART Union. — Nov 24
SMART relaunches podcast for members with season focused on mental health
SMART has officially relaunched the Talking SMART podcast, newly focused on providing information, resources and stories that are relevant to members and their families. The first-ever season of Talking SMART will focus on mental health, with episodes diving into the concept of mental wellness, what different types of mental illness look like, resources available to members and more. The post SMART relaunches podcast for members with season focused on mental health appeared first on SMART Union. — Nov 24

SMART-TD Local 0293

SMART Union