SHEET METAL | AIR | RAIL | TRANSPORTATION

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers NEWSNEWS Volume 53 • Number 2 • March / April 2021 Rescue plan gets things rolling Amtrak, other transit workers back on job thanks to funding from legislation President Joe Biden signed his $1.9 trillion Amer- ican Rescue Plan on March 11 that was intended to sta- bilize the nation’s economy as it contin- ues the task RRB Labor of rebound- Member ing from the COVID-19 John Bragg pandemic talks about that has effects of killed more plan, Page 6. than 525,000 people in the United States. The plan has $30.5 billion in emergency funding reserved to assist transit in the country rebound after an immense drop in use as a Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, which passed on a party-line vote by Democratic members of Congress and signed by President Joe result of the coronavirus out- Biden, Amtrak workers who were placed on furlough last autumn are back on the job. As a result of the plan, transit agencies also rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic received financial assistance from the federal government in order to stay financially solvent. Photo courtesy of Brett Continued on Page 2 Bottles, owner of Northeast Ohio Drone and son of TD Alumni Association member Raymond Bottles, a retiree from TD Local 2 (Toledo, Ohio). Next on the agenda: Transportation/infrastructure After the Democratic majorities in Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion bill that would Amtrak, Congress and President Joe Biden transform the nation’s transportation motivated by the gave the country a lifeline to bridge system and its infrastructure. announcement by the Biden the period between the height and It’s no secret that both sides of the administration’s what we all hope are these latter political aisle recognize that the American Jobs days of the COVID-19 pandemic, backbone of our country — the Plan in late the country’s political leadership rails, roads and bridges where the March, released turns toward the future — what the members of SMART Transportation this wish-list map showing pro- Biden campaign dubbed “Building Division work on a daily basis — posed future Back Better.” and how we get around need service expan- On March 31, the administration investment. sions by the released an outline of the American carrier a couple Continued on Page 2 of days later.

Inside this issue of the SMART-TD News

l AROUND SMART-TD: Three of our l RETIRED: General Chairperson members pass away from on-the- Billy Moye, a long-time fixture on job accidents, Page 3. the Human Rights Committee, pulls the pin on his rail career, Page 7. l LEADERSHIP MESSAGES: The latest updates from SMART GP l GUEST COLUMN: Together the Joseph Sellers and TD President union is super strong, so why do we Jeremy Ferguson, Pages 4-5. weaken ourselves? Page 8.

l STATE WATCH: Checking out what l FIGHTING BACK: Labor leaders legislative boards nationwide are help to restore Long Island Rail working on, Pages 5-6. Road cuts, Page 9. Page 2 March / April 2021 s SMART-TD News COVID again stops Vice Magazine article gets truth Regional Meeting The continued challenges posed by the COVID-19 about PSR by talking to TD, TTD pandemic regarding indoor Members and leaders of the in-depth article published work force; the practice of railroads to gatherings led to SMART SMART Transportation Divi- March 22. “It’s going to end have inspectors spend less time leadership voting unani- sion, as well as the AFL-CIO up like Boeing,” President inspecting cars; the deferral of needed mously to cancel the 2021 Transportation Trades Depart- Ferguson warned. maintenance and potential safety SMART Transportation Divi- ment (TTD), spelled out why Scan the QR code at left issues being glossed over so that dwell sion Regional Meeting. U.S. freight railroads’ obses- with your smart device to time is not increased. Alternative educational sion with Precision Scheduled read Gordon’s article that The article paints a very realistic and opportunities are in the Railroading (PSR) increases touched upon many topics clear picture of how the railroads’ oper- process of being planned for the danger to the public and that our members are unfor- ating ratios and profits have been 2021 for TD members and railroad workers alike. tunately already well aware placed well ahead of safety, all in the the union continues to pur- Journalist Aaron Gordon spoke with of, including: the severe reduction of name of PSR. sue a meeting in 2022. TD President Jeremy Ferguson and rail employees which has greatly The lessons learned from past oper- Information will be posted to TTD President Greg Regan about the impacted safe operations; the increase ational mistakes could conceivably the TD website when it degradation in the safety culture of of fatigue associated with the same end up costing railroads in the long becomes available. freight railroads because of PSR in an demanding work, but with a reduced run, interviewees say in the article. Please stay safe! A pledge was made in 2018, and a promise is being kept Up next: Focus on By Terry Tasker transportation and Coordinator, infrastructure TD Alumni Chapter 18 Continued from Page 1 The photo at right was The American Society of taken in 2018 at the Joseph Civil Engineers found that R. Biden Jr. Amtrak station deferred infrastructure main- in Wilmington, Del., with the tenance in the United States assistance of the Amtrak has grown to a $3.2 trillion police. Then-candidate deficit. Biden was asked what Even as Biden’s predeces- SMART and rail labor in sor in the Oval Office held general could expect from a “Infrastructure Week” events Biden administration. in the nation’s capital on a He replied, “better and periodic basis, big projects safer working conditions for such as Amtrak expansion, all railroad workers.” the Hudson Tunnel and the Candidate Biden spoke Gateway Project in the North- directly and was frank about east or the alleviation of port organized labor’s need to This photo from 2018 shows, from left, current SMART National Legislative Director Gregory Hynes, and traffic congestion nation- stay loyal to those who sup- former Delaware State Legislative Director Jim Mallon, current President Joseph Biden, retired Nation- wide never came to pass in port us for better and safer al Legislative Director John Risch and SMART-TD Alumni Association Chapter 18 Coordinator Terry L. those four years. working conditions. Tasker Sr. Some of this is the respon- Since Biden took the oath frontline workers. This plan, Regarding our bus and us a promise made three sibility of the Class I railroads, of office in January, he has in part, recalls 1,200 fur- transit members, “the transit years ago is being kept. who keep their capital expen- ditures on maintenance at kept his word. On March 11, loughed Amtrak employees funding provided by the Tasker, a TD member for 27 he signed H.R. 1319, the and restarts previously can- plan will provide security for years, established Alumni constant levels while raking in American Rescue Plan Act, celed Amtrak services, them going forward,” said Association Chapter 18 in the profits from their Precision which tremendously assist- including long-distance National Legislative Director Wilmington, Del. Scheduled Railroading ed transit agencies and routes that were reduced. Gregory Hynes, showing scheme. Beyond freight rail, there are other places where we as a nation have fallen behind in Rescue plan gets things rolling for furloughed Amtrak, transit members building and maintaining a 21st century infrastructure. Continued from Page 1 for them going forward.” who voted against it. Making our nation travel bet- Amtrak, the nation’s largest passen- The American Rescue Plan provides ter and safer will take a new break one year ago. That amount is ger rail carrier, also experienced a direct payments of $1,400 to individu- generation of good-paying $10.5 billion more than the $20 billion massive decline in ridership as a result als making up to $75,000 annually, union jobs while making requested by Biden in his initial ver- of COVID-19. The carrier is slated to $350 billion in aid to state and local sound choices by preserving sion of the bill that was unveiled get $1.7 billion to help restore service governments and $14 billion for vac- those that already exist. before he took office. that had been reduced last autumn, cine distribution. The bill also provides Elements of H.R. 2, the bill Passenger transit services were hit resulting in furloughs of SMART-TD we were able to get through $130 billion to elementary, middle and hard by the virus with ridership declin- and other unionized workers. the U.S. House last year, are ing 95% for some carriers. In the initial The carrier already announced that high schools to assist with safe a part of this plan. stages of the pandemic, only essential it will resume full long-distance service reopening. Amtrak already has workers used public transportation as as a result of receiving the funds from In addition to providing direct pay- released an expansion plan, many people in a number of highly the relief plan. ments to individuals, the plan also wanting to seize this chance. populated areas went into lockdown. “‘Amtrak Joe’ and Congress has expands jobless benefits through Sep- “President Biden under- “Our bus and transit members have delivered for us,” Hynes said. “The tember and child tax credits to assist stands we need to go big, been on the front lines working to pro- American Rescue Plan is a much- families who are continuing to struggle and this announcement vide for their families and to continue needed boost that will allow Amtrak to through the pandemic. brings us one step closer to to keep the country running in the recall all of our furloughed members “Elections matter, and never more delivering the aggressive year since the coronavirus emerged in and restore long-distance service very changes we need to rebuild than the last election,” Hynes said. the United States,” SMART Trans- soon.” our country,” CEO Bill Flynn “It’s time to hold those who were portation Division National Legislative The plan passed along party lines in said. Director Gregory Hynes said after the both the U.S. Senate and in the U.S. elected to office to the promises Now, it’s time for Congress bill’s signing. “The transit funding pro- House except for Democratic Con- they’ve made. This is evidence that to follow through and deliver vided by this plan will provide security gressman Jared Goldman of Maine, that is happening.” for America’s working people. www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org March / April 2021 s SMART-TD News Page 3 Around the SMART-TD L-23, Santa Cruz, Calif. Three members die in March accidents A Local 1544 and was a Local 1544 (Maywood, Calif.) conductor for BNSF. member member lost his life A member of the Jimmey as a result of SMART-TD Diaz. injuries early March National Safety Follow the 3. Team is assisting QR code at Brother Taj Ellis, the National right to donate. In this photo courtesy of General Chairperson James Sandoval, mem- 46, of Chino, Calif., Transportation “There are no words to bers of Local 23 gather outside a bus in preparation for a journey Ellis from their home base of Santa Cruz to Salinas, Calif., in order to was making a set- Safety Board in describe how we are all receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. out in La Mirada Yard in investigating. feeling at this moment,” Orange County, Calif., at Brother Ellis is survived Diaz wrote on the General Chairperson/ 12:30 a.m. when he was by his wife, Trinity, and their GoFundMe page. “The Local Chairperson James fatally injured. children. smiles and laughter will Sandoval and the leader- He had been a member of An online fundraiser has forever be remembered my ship of this local represent- our union since July 2013 been established by fellow friend.” ing workers for Santa Cruz Metro Transit District (SCMTD) report that the Local 934 member “He will be greatly daughter, local is kicking up their com- Curtis A. Deines, missed here in KayLeah, munications efforts while 52, a member of our Alliance,” said succeed in protecting their members. union for more than Local Chairperson life and A group of members drove 20 years, died Wendie becoming a a bus from Santa Cruz to before dawn on the Henderson of the grandpa, his Salinas, Calif., so that these morning of March 19 Nebraska local. family wrote in his obituary. essential front-line workers after the SUV he Born in “Curt was loved by all and could receive their COVID- Deines was being transport- Torrington, Wyo., will be greatly missed for 19 vaccines. The group vac- One of the first steps was ed in was involved in a Brother Deines was a hall- his big heart and infectious cinations of these and other the re-launch of a monthly head-on collision with anoth- of-fame athlete from his laugh,” his family wrote. members of the local were newsletter for the local — er vehicle on U.S. Highway time as a center on the “The role Curt played in the result of a cooperative Outward Bound Revisited — 2 near Ravenna, Neb. Chadron State College each of our lives will never effort among SMART-TD’s this year, which features The driver and three other football team. He graduated be forgotten.” California State Legislative member profiles and info. rail workers in the SUV that college in 1996 with a Brother Deines is Board, SCMTD leaders, In addition to that, the Deines was riding in were degree in education. survived by his wife, Sonya; including its board of direc- local has established its own transported for treatment, He then entered into his son, Colin; daughter, tors, and Watsonville, Calif. Facebook page, a Twitter as was the driver of the oth- service with the Burlington KayLeah King; two Mayor Jimmy Dutra. account and a website also er vehicle involved in the Northern Santa Fe Railroad grandchildren; his parents; The local also is working is in the works using the accident, according to the in the maintenance of way his sister; two nieces; and a to enhance its ability to AFL-CIO’s free Union Hall Star-Herald of Scottsbluff, department and then trans- number of in-laws and reach out to its membership. platform. Neb. Deines passed away ferred into train service as a other relatives. at the scene of the acci- conductor. Follow the QR code dent, the Buffalo County Great sources of pride above to assist in an online L-1361, New Haven, Conn. Sheriff’s Department stated and joy for him were watch- fundraiser for Brother in an accident report. ing his son, Colin, and Deines’ family.

Buddy Lee Strieker, an member of the TD how he was mentored by officer of Local 219 (Han- National Safety Team Brother Strieker after hir- nibal, Mo.) for the vast participating. ing on in 2004 as a BNSF majority of his 24-plus Brother Strieker was a conductor. years with our union, died veteran of the U.S. Army. “Buddy … told me ‘as as a result of a switching He is survived by his wife long as you’re with me accident on April 7 in of 34 years, Lisa; his son, you’ll be OK,’” Wyman Louisiana, Mo. He was 56 Matthew; a granddaughter; wrote. “I’m heartbroken years old. two step-grandchildren; that he is gone! Buddy had Brother Strieker was vice three brothers; two sisters a story or a joke every local chairperson of LCA- and other relatives. time he went to work! 001A and the secretary/ “Away from work, Buddy People of the BNSF family treasurer of his local for loved being outside and in Quincy lost a legend … more than two decades. A visiting the family farm,” and I mean a serious trainman/brakeman for his family wrote in Brother Longtime Amtrak conductor Carol BNSF, he also served as Strieker’s obituary. “Buddy legend!” Jones, a local chairperson with an LCA secretary and as a had a green thumb and The SMART SMART-TD Local 1361 out of New delegate for his local at enjoyed working in his gar- Transportation Division Haven, Conn., and a member of our the second SMART Trans- den. A wonderful cook, offers its deepest union for 23 years, was featured in a portation Division Conven- Buddy made the most deli- condolences to the “Sister Stories” video during SMART tion in 2019. cious cheesecakes, birth- families, friends and to the Women’s Week in early March. Scan An investigation has day cakes, and soups.” union brothers and sisters the QR code at right with your smart been launched by the Tony Wyman, a union of these three men as they device to watch her story of coming up National Transportation brother out of Local 445 mourn the loss of these in the transportation industry and work- Safety Board into Brother (Niota, Ill.) remembered on stalwart and dedicated ing as a pioneering woman in the passenger rail sector. Strieker’s death with a an online memorial page members of our union. www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org Page 4 March / April 2021 s SMART-TD News SMART GENERAL PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Biden administration already has improved things Brothers and Sisters, For our transit and passen- “This critical relief package is just one in a long line of ger rail brothers and sisters, new pro-worker advances being made by an administra- I want to start by applaud- Amtrak members were idled tion that has a laser-like focus on the needs of working ing everyone from President due to no fault of their own, families, and not just the interests of the top one percent Joe Biden, Vice President By Joseph $2 billion is targeted to get Kamala Harris to the House Sellers Jr. them back to work and and Wall Street.” and Senate members whose restore intercity services that votes were integral in making had been cut by the previous vides a much-needed sup- employees who have other- the American Rescue Plan a administration. The plan also plemental appropriation for wise exhausted benefits. In addition, the package signed reality. Our collective effort to exposed by Forbes shows. includes an additional $30.5 the agency’s administrative by President Biden waives secure a pro-worker majority The American Rescue Plan billion in emergency funding budget. This includes money taxes on the first $10,200 of in the past election has will deliver desperately need- reserved to assist transit to beef up online services for unemployment benefits for begun to pay off early in this ed federal support for hard- operations around the coun- railroaders and their families, individuals who made less new administration. working Americans, with try in rebounding from dra- as well as funding to hire than $150,000 in 2020. This critical relief package leadership and tools to pro- matic drops in use due to the new staff to improve servic- President Biden heard our is just one in a long line of tect our families and commu- coronavirus pandemic. es, handle sickness benefits calls for action. Instead of new pro-worker advances nities from COVID-19. This In addition, the rescue plan and process unemployment empty words, he is now tak- being made by an adminis- includes an accelerated pro- provides 100% of health care applications. ing action and delivering on gram of testing and vaccina- For those who are dealing tration that has a laser-like premiums for COBRA-eligi- the promises he made to the tions to get America back to with job loss, the Rescue focus on the needs of work- ble workers who have lost American people. its pre-pandemic state, soon- Plan provides a $300 weekly ing families, and not just the their jobs involuntarily or Thank you, and please er rather than later, and interests of the top one per- have suffered under-employ- boost in unemployment ben- stay safe! cent and Wall Street. This is financial tools such as direct ment. This subsidy is for up efits, on top of standard state a breath of fresh air com- cash payments to help hard- to six months and will expire unemployment benefits. This pared to years of pandering hit families get through the on September 30, 2021. benefit lasts until Sept. 6, to the elite, as the huge divi- economic impact of the For the Railroad Retire- 2021, and includes extended pandemic. Joseph Sellers Jr. sion of wealth recently ment Board, the plan pro- unemployment benefits for General President, SMART

Bus Department News A message from your Bus Department leadership Dear Sisters & Brothers, in turn is another significant step to ed in such an important assignment. our members returning to normalcy I would also like to take the oppor- With the vaccine rollout in full in their livelihoods. tunity to thank both NJSLD Ron throttle mode, it is with optimism While all of the aforementioned Sabol and NCSLD Ron Ingerick for that I share that our industry is in By Calvin topics are good for our membership the hard work they are doing to recovery. While the recovery is not Studivant there is still some concern for our assist our members in their states as swift as we would like it to be, it sisters and brothers who work in the with legislation to ensure their safe- is, however, moving in the right cine rollout and less vaccine hesi- private sector. Those members are ty. We have made the commitment direction. tancy as bus operators literally roll as essential as anyone and they to make sure that none of our mem- Carriers are starting to recall fur- up their sleeves and get back deserve to be treated as such. bers should ever suffer from an loughed workers, ridership is start- behind the wheels of their buses Due to the January 6, 2021, insur- assault, and if one should be ing to creep up to the respectable and once again prove how valuable rection, many of your sisters and assaulted, then we are working hard numbers that carriers enjoyed pre- they are to the public who rely so brothers served diligently and with- to make sure that the perpetrators COVID. Hopefully, when you receive heavily on public transit systems. out fear for their own safety. They of the assault, be held accountable. this message in your SMART-TD Also with the American Rescue were tasked with transporting the As always, I pray for the safe travels subscription, we will be back in full Plan Act that President Biden National Guard around the nation’s of our members. operation with all members who signed into law on March 11, 2021, capital during the inauguration prov- have previously been furloughed it sets aside $30.5 billion to the tran- ing just how essential they are. Fraternally, back in service. sit agencies through federal funding, I’m extremely honored to serve Calvin Studivant Under the Biden administration, which is another significant step to a those members, some of whom VP Bus Department, SMART-TD full recovery for our industry, which we have seen a more robust vac- come from my local, that participat- 216-630-0963

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SHEET METAL | AIR | RAIL | TRANSPORTATION Joseph Sellers Jr. Jeremy R. Ferguson

SMART General President SMART Transportation Division President ® [email protected] [email protected] Gregory K. Hynes Joseph Powell SMART Transportation Division SMART General Secretary-Treasurer National Legislative Director Please recycle [email protected] [email protected]

MARCH / APRIL 2021 ISSN 2470-0304 [email protected] SMART Transportation Division News (ISSN 2470-0304) is published six times per year in the months of February/March, April/May, June/July, Phone: 216-228-9400 August/September, October/November and December/January by SMART Transportation Division, 24950 Country Club Blvd., Suite 340, North Fax: 216-228-5755 Olmsted, OH 44070-5333. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio, and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: SMART Transportation Division News, 24950 COUNTRY CLUB BLVD., SUITE 340, NORTH OLMSTED, OH 44070-5333 • Jeremy R. Ferguson, SMART Transportation Division President.

www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org March / April 2021 s SMART-TD News Page 5 TRANSPORTATION DIVISION PRESIDENT’S COLUMN What we’ve done and what we are doing for you Brothers and Sisters, important to me. that’s being developed. We are looking to expand These are but a small These courses will provide these conversations and are As we turn from enduring a example of the many proj- officer training and reaching out to additional difficult winter and the chal- ects we are working on, but resources, both visually with media outlets, as well as lenges of a pandemic that By Jeremy few are more important than videos as well as with sup- each and every state capital. has tested our resilience and the efforts underway to porting documents and pre- We now have doors held our country for more than a Ferguson adapt and improve our sentations. open, often receiving invita- year, our organization has efforts to educate members Externally, we are working tions to tell our side of the continued to press ahead to tionality, utility and informa- and officers. Some of these at being more visible as well. story and have our voices better serve you. tion. These improvements are already evident in the As you can see from the heard on Capitol Hill, which The core purpose of include new features such newspaper you are reading front page of this issue, our is a complete reversal of SMART-TD is to aggressive- as messaging functions, vir- right now with two features Transportation Division has what we have had to endure ly and vigorously defend the tual membership cards, a that we’ve added — “What a new, sharper-looking the past four years. safety and well-being of listing of local, state legisla- Your Union is Doing for You,” insignia that was designed to There’s much to be posi- workers and to promptly field tive and general committee which recaps victories for accompany the SMART tive about as we roll ahead. the concerns of its member- information and contact our members, and the logo. It’s another way to Amtrak members who had ship. Ever since the installa- options to members. “Know Your Union” articles exhibit our pride in our been furloughed because of tion of my administration in • A revamped website is in that show some of the inter- organization and the crafts the pandemic are back on 2019, we have been moving the works that will improve nal workings of the union. that we represent. If your the job thanks to the Ameri- ahead to make dynamic and expand members’ expe- The Human Rights Com- local wants to design or pur- can Rescue Plan champi- changes internally and exter- rience to find answers and mittee also is being restruc- chase merchandise featur- oned by Joe Biden. nally to the union. We want information. tured and will be known as ing this insignia, contact the The American Jobs Plan the services you are entitled • After receiving numerous the Diversity and Inclusion Public Relations Department infrastructure bill that Biden to as a union member to be requests, we have recently Committee. We thank for assistance. unveiled March 31 should delivered promptly and created a membership recently-retired General Legislative directors in at contain many of the good, effectively to your satisfac- option to receive the TD Chairperson Billy Moye for least 14 states have been transportation-related provi- tion, pandemic or not. News electronically instead his service to that group and working this year to get two- sions that last year’s H.R. 2 To this end, a number of of print in efforts to reduce for setting a pathway for person crew bills introduced had, such as bus and transit technology-related projects delivery time while saving future efforts and success. after our successful case in operator protection and have been completed. More production and mailing The new committee mem- the Ninth Circuit Court of mandating two-person are in the works — all under- costs. bers will receive in-depth Appeals. They’re also work- freight crews. taken with the intent that we • We are also in the training and will be available ing on fighting back against We’ll need to all work provide the best value and process of expanding Field to assist those in need in the Precision Scheduled Rail- together, be active and have representation that your Service assistance for local very near future. As a union roading (PSR) with 10 states our collective voices heard union can offer and that you treasurers by providing addi- comprised of members crafting bills to limit train loud and clear to get this deserve as a part of tional representatives who diverse in craft, creed, gen- lengths. done, but we can do it. SMART-TD. will be available during der and race, the work of No doubt, it’s been a rough We’re going to keep mak- Some of these include: select evening and weekend this committee will serve to period, but our team is built ing your union the best it can • The creation of online hours. educate, enlighten and to for facing adversity, and be by serving, protecting and Safety Condition and Tech- • We have increased our further unite us. more importantly, have the responding to you. You are nology Failure Reports to efforts of communicating While we are disappointed experience and determina- the union. We are here for properly document and with our members and offi- that 2021 marks the second tion to address it. you. Let’s go! address membership issues cers, soliciting ideas and straight year we have not Many members have been Please stay safe out there, and concerns in a more suggestions via personal been able to have an annual furloughed at the whim of and God bless. timely manner. We have phone conversations and regional meeting due to carriers thanks to PSR. We received thousands of sub- surveys. This includes COVID-19, we’re making are fighting back by telling all missions with a vast majority responding to each and adjustments. We plan to of those who will listen about of these concerns success- every phone call and email have smaller, regionally- the increased danger posed fully addressed by officers to those that have contacted focused training sessions by this mode of operation since the launch. my office with issues, con- when and where it is safe to and about carriers wanting • Significant improvements cerns or questions. As I have do so. We’re also in the to cut freight crews. The in- to the SMART phone app, stated several times, I value process of establishing virtu- depth article that Vice Maga- Jeremy R. Ferguson with more on the way, which each and every member and al training online through the zine put together in late President, will provide even more func- your thoughts and ideas are SMART University initiative March is just one example. Transportation Division

State Watch News from SMART-TD State Legislative Boards

Virginia Hobbs also wanted to give Local 363 Legislative Representative State Legislative League events, William Aldridge Director Ronnie and repairing and a huge thank you Hobbs appeared donating a golf for his efforts in on the Talking cart for a young raising awareness SMART podcast cancer patient to about SMART-TD (scan QR code drive around his PAC, with two with your smart neighborhood. device to listen) to Hobbs’ act of drives over the past year and a discuss community generosity has Aldridge projects and serv- inspired some of new one with a gift ice he and his fellow his union brothers to donate certificate incentive. SMART Army members to help in the fight against “Brother Bill has done a great job!” have done in Virginia, pediatric cancer. Hobbs said. “He consistently tells including collecting clothing To help, visit https://www. Virginia SLD Ronnie Hobbs (left) and members of Local members who want to make a dif- 854 (Portsmouth, Va.) send a picture to cancer patient ference to give to PAC.” for the homeless, food stbaldricks.org/participants/ Dalton Fox. The local donated $400 to help in the fight drives, sponsoring Little DaltonDad2021. against pediatric cancer. Continued on Page 6

www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org Page 6 March / April 2021 s SMART-TD News FROM THE DESK OF THE RRB LABOR MEMBER — JOHN BRAGG American Rescue Plan extends CARES Act benefits, supports RRB As you may have This benefit ends Sept. 6, 2021. will eventually provide more options available to them to heard, Congress with registration • In addition, ARPA provides online services to railroaders help avoid lengthy wait recently enacted leg- periods that begin that up to $10,200 in unem- and their families. In addi- times. islation to provide after Sept. 6, 2021. ployment benefits may be tion, it appropriated $6.8M I encourage all railroaders some financial relief • Extended unem- exempt from income tax. for agency hiring related to to set up a myRRB.gov to railroaders. In the ployment benefits This provision is adminis- the pandemic for the next account on the RRB.gov legislation entitled the for employees who tered by the IRS and they two years. The RRB intends website to help avoid any American Rescue Bragg have otherwise have more information in an to hire staff in field service possible delays. To establish Plan Act of 2021 exhausted benefits. article entitled, ‘New Exclu- as well as in the unit at an account, employees (ARPA), Congress essential- Now, in combination with sion of up to $10,200 of headquarters that handles should go to RRB.gov/my ly extended the benefits orig- previous legislation, an addi- Unemployment Compensa- sickness and unemployment RRB and click on the button inally created by the CARES tional 200 days within 20 tion.’ applications. We hope that labeled SIGN IN WITH Act. This legislation provides additional consecutive two- Finally, as you know, the these additional hires will LOGIN.GOV at the top of for the following benefits: week registration periods are Railroad Retirement Board’s improve customer service. the page. This directs them • A recovery benefit of $600 payable. These extended (RRB)’s budget has As with previous legisla- to login.gov where they will per two-week unemployment benefits are available for remained flat for several tion, the RRB has updated be guided through the registration period. This days of unemployment on or years now and as a result, the information on its web- process of creating an extends the benefit that was after December 28, 2020. agency resources have site with the details regard- account and verifying their established through legisla- No additional days are avail- been limited. ARPA provided ing these benefits. identity, which takes about tion at the end of December able for registration periods a much-needed supplemen- You can find the FAQs on 20 minutes to complete. and was due to expire beginning after September tal appropriation for the the site. Once an employee’s iden- March 14, 2021. As a result, 6, 2021. agency’s administrative Also, with most RRB field tity is verified, they will be employees receiving unem- • Waiver of the seven-day budget. ARPA appropriated offices still closed to the pub- prompted to sign in to their ployment benefits will contin- waiting period for unemploy- the remaining amount need- lic because of the pandemic, account and then return to ue to receive an additional ment and sickness benefits. ed for the RRB’s multi-year the agency is again remind- myRRB. $600 per registration period. This was also extended to IT modernization plan, which ing customers of self-service

State Watch continued... NLD Hynes makes appearance Virtual RR Day, take 2 on Rick Smith labor podcast National Leg- about the two- islative Director person crew rul- Gregory Hynes ing that reinstat- was a guest on ed state laws the labor-oriented governing crew Rick Smith Show size, Hynes also on Feb. 24 where discussed the he discussed the history of rail- Ninth Circuit roads using tech- Court of Appeals nology not to ruling that threw out the improve operations, but Federal Railroad Adminis- instead to eliminate jobs to tration’s negative preemp- increase profits and the tion claim, which would need for Amtrak safety to have nullified our two per- be tightened in the wake of son crew state laws. January’s insurrection at In addition to talking the U.S. Capitol.

Maryland Wyoming For the second consecu- pants in the effort included nois, it was Legislative Chair- In addition to once tive year due to the COVID- SLDs Scott Jones (Ariz.); person Jeff Votteler (Local again working on get- 19 pandemic, the annual Louis Costa (Calif.); Carl 1597); Legislative Secretary ting a two-person crew Railroad Day on the Hill Smith (Colo.); Willie Bates Dennis Nee (Local 1895); bill through his state’s ended up being a hectic (D.C.); Andres Trujillo Alt. State Legislative Director Legislature, Larry schedule of Zoom calls and (Fla.); Matt Campbell (Ga.); Jordan Boone (Local 445); Kasecamp and his virtual discussions to get the Bob Guy (Ill.); Chris Smith Assistant State Legislative needs of the railroad indus- (Iowa); Jeff Mitchell (Ky.); Director Joseph Ciemny state board authorized try across to political leaders Donald Roach (Mich.); Nick (Local 1534) and Legislative the transfer of funds to around the country. Katich (Minn.); Ron Inger- Vice Chairperson Jarrod the TD Disaster Relief Main topics of discussion ick (N.C.); Ron Sabol (N.J.); Hudson (Local 453) partici- Fund to assist our mutually agreed upon by Clyde Whitaker (Ohio); Paul pating. brothers and sisters in labor and carriers included Pokrowka (Pa.); Ronnie Assistant State Legislative Texas who were affect- State Legislative Director Stan the opposition of larger Hobbs (Va.); and Herb Director Gabe Christenson ed by the February Blake, left, and Wyoming Vice trucks and approving the Krohn (Wash.). (Local 1043) took part on winter storm that dev- Legislative Chairperson J.P. SLDs from California, Illi- behalf of the Nevada State astated the state’s Caffee work the Legislature for a personnel funding increase two-person crew bill that passed that had been requested by nois, Nevada and Ohio also Legislative Board. infrastructure, leaving the House, but unfortunately lost the Railroad Retirement had backup from members Ohio had Assistant State many without power by one vote in a state Senate Board (RRB) for the 2022 fis- of their respective SLBs. Legislative Director Kurt and potable water. committee. cal year. Participants in the Assistant State Legislative Schwamberger (Local effort were limited to these Director Scott Brent (Local 1529); and Alt. State Leg- topics, but were able to use 1201), Legislative Rep. islative Director Ryan Fitz- the opportunity to establish Michael Convey (Local 84) patrick (Local 1397) take SAFETY REPORT relationships for future dis- and Legislative Rep. Ted part. Scan the QR code to the right to access the confidential union Safety Condition cussions about other issues. Smith-Peterson (Local “It went very well,” said Report to let your leaders know about In addition to the National 1241) also represented their National Legislative Director concerns on your properties! Legislative Office, partici- state of California. For Illi- Gregory Hynes. www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org March / April 2021 s SMART-TD News Page 7

General Chairperson Billy Moye (GCA-SCL), left, has a con- versation with Chad Yokoyama at the Seattle Regional Meet- ing in July 2018 as they work the Human Rights Committee table. Safety expert and Members of the National Guard disembark from a bus in January in this photo courtesy of Local 759 President Rafael Becerra and New Jersey State Legislative Director Ron Sabol. GC Billy Moye Bus members do their part pulls the pin by transporting D.C. guard After 23 years of service, General Chairperson Billy Moye (GCA – CSX-SCL) has pulled the pin, retiring SMART Transportation Guard from their hotel, and I exemplary display of duty.” Feb. 1. Division Local 759 President dropped them off where Although he was in the A third-generation railroader, Moye hired out in 1998 Rafael Becerra and about they were stationed at the city during the inauguration, with CSX after spending time in the military. Over the seven of his local brothers African American Museum Becerra said he did not get course of his career, he became their district safety and sisters departed their (National Museum of African to see the ceremony up chairperson. Coach USA garage in Para- American History and Cul- close. Moye became very active in our union and held mus, N.J., on Jan. 10, and ture).” “I was watching it on my many positions over his career including LCA secre- traveled to Joint Base Becerra said the first week phone, sitting in the parking tary from 2012-17, local chairperson (2017-21), Local Andrews in Prince George’s there was the roughest lot. I was kinda afraid to take 1971 delegate, GCA secretary (2012-17), GCA vice County, Md., to transport our because he was required to pictures,” he said. “You don’t chairperson (2015-17) and general chairperson (2017- nation’s troops and national keep making runs from just go wandering around. 21). He also worked as an organizer and as a coordi- guardsmen to protect Wash- place-to-place and was on You go from check point to nator on the Human Rights Committee (HRC). ington, D.C., for the Jan. 20 call a lot of the time. The check point to check point.” “Billy Moye is one of the most decent individuals that inauguration ceremony. troops were constantly com- When asked if he had any I have had the pleasure of knowing. I first met Billy in Becerra stayed in the ing in during the first week concerns about contracting 2009 while we worked on a campaign involving Local nation’s capital for two for their assignments, but COVID-19 while there, 1594. He was always planning the next move before weeks, returning home Jan. then there wasn’t a lot of Becerra said that he thought we even had engaged the previous one. While on 24, while others from his transporting that needed to things were pretty safe with organizing campaigns, Billy enjoyed using military lin- garage stayed an extra be done during his second almost everyone wearing a go, and being a veteran myself, I always knew and week before returning Jan. week. mask, but he was still a little understood what he was doing,” SMART-TD Bus 31. “We waited around a lot at concerned. Department Vice President Calvin Studivant said. At regional meetings, Moye could be counted on to Dillon’s Bus Service of the Andrews base parking “I would say that 99% of Hanover, Md., – an affiliate lot, waiting to be called not only man the Human Rights Committee table, but the guys, the troops, they all of Coach USA – was in upon,” Becerra said. to also conduct workshops on human rights, hazmat had masks on. I was tested charge of coordinating with New Jersey State Legisla- and first responders. before I went there, and I different bus companies that tive Director Ron Sabol had Fellow HRC Coordinator and Local 1687 Local was tested when I came sent their buses and opera- nothing but praise for the Chairperson Chad Yokoyama would help Moye at the back. Thank God I came tors to help transport the members who stepped up to committee table at meetings. back in one piece. But it’s all 26,000 troops (according to assist. “Billy served our country and first and foremost, I part of the job,” he said. militarytimes.com) deployed “Brother Becerra and his would like to thank him for his service to our country. Becerra said that by the to D.C. fellow members took time He also served our union well and most of the things Employees of Rockland away from their families dur- time that he left, a lot of he did will and should never be known. His role in the Coaches of Bergenfield, ing a pandemic to serve a troops were already clearing HRC took a man of integrity, and that is exactly what N.J., represented by TD greater cause than them- out. he is,” Yokoyama said. “For some reason, Billy took a Local 1558, also were called selves — the protection and When asked what the liking to me and saw things in me that I didn’t know upon to transport troops. safe transition required by most memorable thing about existed. Coach bus companies from our nation’s democratic the trip was, Becerra “He is willing to help and mentor anyone. Working as far away as Pittsburgh process,” Sabol said. “This replied, “I was amazed that I with Billy, I can’t tell you how many times people would also arrived to help. assignment had health and had never seen D.C. so come up to him and thank him for all he did for them,” According to Becerra, he safety risks involved — just empty. There was nothing. Yokoyama said. picked up troops at Andrews days before our bus opera- There was no traffic, there Brother Moye was a great example of what it means and then brought them over tors arrived, armed insurrec- were no people walking. You to be in a union as told by Vice President Studivant in to the armory. He then tionists had threatened could walk on the other side a heartfelt tribute: moved them to different members of Congress in the of the fence, but that was “The union has truly lost a shining example of union- hotels and assignments in U.S. Capitol itself. Our the closest you got. They ism with the retirement of Brother Moye. I salute you the D.C. area. members had no guarantee kept closing down areas, so Billy for all that you have done to strengthen our “I also picked up troops that they wouldn’t be you didn’t know what was organization. Thank you.” from the Reagan airport. attacked by domestic terror- going to be closed.” “I believe it fitting [that] we stand, salute and thank The ones I picked up came ists or be exposed to COVID SMART-TD thanks Brother Billy for all he did,” added Yokoyama. in from Alaska. I picked up while assisting those troops Becerra and the other troop SMART-TD congratulates Brother Moye on all of his around 29 people,” Becerra at our nation’s capital — yet transporters for their dedica- accomplishments and wishes him a long, happy and said. “I also picked up peo- they did it without complaint. tion and congratulates them healthy retirement. Congratulations Brother Moye! ple from the Florida National “I thank them for their on a job well done. www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org Page 8 March / April 2021 s SMART-TD News GUEST COLUMN Superman doesn’t take the kryptonite, why should we? By Justin Wolters cer. I do not like bullies or an element called kryptonite When we all work together it is General Chairperson, villains. and when that planet blew like thriving under a yellow sun. We SMART-TD GCA-449 When I think of our union, up, the element was scat- are no longer ordinary — we I think of Superman. We tered all over the universe, become something much stronger. I have been a fan of the superhero defend each other for the and it’s Superman’s lone Our kryptonite, our weakness, is genre since I was a kid. Long before greater good, much like weakness. While the radia- when we fail to work as a collective. the Avengers teamed up on the big Superman. I am talking tion of Earth’s yellow sun Stop taking daily doses of kryp- screen to defeat Thanos, I was about the collective “we.” Wolters gives him his great powers tonite. Work as a collective. Utilize reading the comics. I was watching SMART members and offi- — super strength, the ability the agreements, rules and laws to superhero cartoons before Super- cers are union brothers and sisters. to fly, be “faster than a speeding protect ourselves and our families. man and Batman became best A collective. bullet and more powerful than a Only then, will we fully transcend friends because their mothers had United, we are Superman. locomotive,” etc. — he battles to those things that hold us back. the same first name. For those of you who don’t know, right wrongs and fight evil every- Justin Wolters, general chairperson of The love I have for superheroes is Superman is an alien from the plan- where instead of just using the pow- GCA-449, is a proud member of SMART the same reason I am a union offi- et Krypton. Krypton is made up of er for himself. Local 1381 in Hammond, Ind. Officer What’s so important in BRT headed about this caboose? Labor By Ryan J. Fitzpatrick Local Chairperson, SMART-TD Local 1397 Dept. (Columbus, Ohio) The confirmation of Boston William C. Gurney, Mayor Marty Walsh, a mem- Daniel Hopkins, Daniel J. ber of the Laborers’ Union, to McCarty, Eugene S. be President Joe Biden’s McCarty, Union C. Oster- labor secretary ends a nearly hout, Elmer Wessell, H.S. 45-year absence of having a Wilber and Charles J. union member head the U.S. Woodworth — do any of Department of Labor. these names sound famil- But as the third secretary of iar? labor, the Brotherhood of It is what these eight men Railroad did on Sept. 23, 1883, that Trainmen’s has paved the way to the William N. creation of the union you Doak know today. helped While employed by the establish a Delaware and Hudson Rail- lasting legacy. way, these men met in Doak secret in a caboose in President Oneonta, N.Y., to form a This caboose in Oneonta, N.Y., is important to the history of SMART-TD — it is the site where the first Herbert Hoover nominated eight members of what would evolve into the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen met in secrecy to form Doak, a vice president and benevolent society known a union. national legislative represen- then as the Brotherhood of you could lose your job or In time, the name was ence. tative of the SMART-TD Railroad Brakemen. even worse, be “blacklist- changed to the Brother- Today, the foundation of predecessor union, to lead During the years leading ed”; meaning you could not hood of Railroad Trainmen the BRT still provides the DOL in 1930 as the up to the formation of the work for another railroad (BRT), but the mission affordable insurance to our nation struggled in the Great BRB, the work of a railroad- because of your ties or sup- stayed the same: to provide members via the UTU Depression. er was one of constant dan- port of the labor movement. a benevolent society for the Insurance Association In collaboration with his ger. At that time, there was Even speaking of organiz- protection of its members. (UTUIA). Well into its sec- immediate DOL predecessor, no OSHA, FRA or NTSB. ing or unions was risking In the following years, the ond century, what was set James J. Davis, who became Equipment was never your livelihood. These men BRT worked to better the up to help members and a U.S. senator representing maintained properly by the knew the risks, but also lives of their workers, their families who suffered Pennsylvania, Doak’s crown- railroads as there was no knew if they were to make whether it be by securing death or dismemberment ing achievement was helping official oversight. Workers a change in labor, it had to pay increases, improve- on the job, has expanded to the Davis-Bacon Act — legis- lost limbs and lives. Rail- be done. ments in working conditions include short-term and long- lation that established pre- roaders could not obtain life So, on September 23rd, or healthcare benefits. term sickness benefits, can- vailing wage laws that benefit or disability insurance as these men met inside D&H The BRT fought for the cer care, income protection our Sheet Metal brothers and the insurance companies caboose No. 10 to form the eight-hour basic day, some- on account of discipline and sisters and other union labor- felt that the workers in the Brotherhood of Railroad thing we take for granted much more. I believe the ers — to become federal law industry were too much of a Brakemen. The BRB was today. Let us not forget the founders would be proud of in 1931. That law remains in liability. Things had to formed to provide life and fights involved, the blood what we have become. In effect 90 years later. change. It was not the rail- disability insurance to rail- that was shed to make this fact, we’ve come a long Doak’s labor secretary stint roads who made the move road workers at affordable happen. What we have way from the meeting of the ended in March 1933, after to better the workers’ bene- rates. Lodge Number 1, today, what we work under “Brave Eight” in Oneonta. Franklin Delano Roosevelt fits, but the workers them- named after Eugene V. every time we get our call to The caboose, D&H No. took office. Doak returned selves. Debs was formed, and work, was fought for by 10, still resides today at from his leave as a BRT offi- The idea of a labor union from there, more lodges men and women who stood Neahwa Park in Oneonta, a cer, but just months later, on or even a benevolent socie- were formed across the up knowing that under one testament to the strength in Oct. 23, 1933, Doak passed ty during these times meant country. voice, we can make a differ- the union. away at age 50. www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org March / April 2021 s SMART-TD News Page 9 What YOUR UNION is doing for YOU Here is a list of recent arbitration victories reported to SMART Transportation Division’s leadership. General chairpersons who wish to report a recent success should email Vice President Alvy Hughes (ahughes@smart- union.org) for Bus Department victories and Vice President David B. Wier Jr. ([email protected]) for rail victories.

SMART-TD Vice Presidents David Chris Boudoin progressed this Rick Lee and GO 49 Vice General n In NRAB First Division Award B. Wier Jr. and Jamie C. Modesitt case to the NRAB First Division. Chairperson Kevin Serres pro- No. 30550 (Tener, 2021), Union report that the organization has • • • gressed this case to the NRAB First Pacific terminated a conductor for received numerous favorable deci- n In NRAB First Division Award Division. allegedly violating General Code of sions from cases arbitrated at the No. 30531 (Simon, 2021), CSX dis- • • • Operating Rules (GCOR) No. 6.3. First Division of the National Rail- missed a conductor for purportedly n In NRAB First Division Award Noting that it is incumbent upon road Adjustment Board. Of the many misusing FMLA leave. At the formal No. 30535 (Simon, 2021), CSX dis- management to charge an employ- cases that the organization received investigation, the organization missed a conductor for allegedly sustaining decisions on from the attempted to call the claimant’s girl- misusing FMLA leave. Nevertheless, ee with the correct rule, the board First Division, the cases referenced friend as a witness in the proceed- the carrier failed to convene the for- discerned that the carrier failed to below are of significant interest: ing; however, the hearing officer mal investigation within the contrac- tender evidence into the record of • • • refused to allow the claimant’s girl- tually prescribed timeframe set forth the formal investigation to support n In NRAB First Division Award friend to testify at the formal inquiry. in the agreement. Because the carri- its allegation that the claimant No. 30432 (Jacobs, 2020), Texas Based on an examination of the er failed to schedule the formal breached GCOR 6.3. As a result of City Terminal Railway Company ter- record developed in this case, the investigation within the timeframe its observation that the carrier failed minated a switchman for allegedly board determined that the hearing specified in the agreement, the to meet its burden of proving damaging a car and bumper post officer’s refusal to allow the request- board found that the claimant’s dis- whether the claimant violated when spotting cars at a customer’s ed witness to testify irreparably missal should be vacated on proce- GCOR 6.3, the board reinstated the facility. In overturning the carrier’s deprived the claimant of his funda- dural grounds. Based on that con- claimant to service and awarded decision to terminate the claimant’s mental due process rights and con- clusion, the board reinstated the him compensation for all lost time. employment, the board concluded stituted a violation of the agreement. claimant and directed the carrier to that the carrier’s case was based Having concluded that the carrier make him whole for lost wages. GO GO 953 General Chairperson Luke entirely on speculation. Finding that committed a fatal procedural impro- 49 General Chairperson Rick Lee Edington, GO 953 Associate Gen- the carrier failed to satisfy its burden priety, the board reinstated the and GO 49 Vice General Chairper- eral Chairperson Ian Reynolds, and of proof, the board reinstated the claimant to service and directed the son Kevin Serres progressed this GO 953 Senior Vice General Chair- claimant and awarded him back pay carrier to make him whole for lost case to the NRAB First Division. person Zach Nagy progressed this and benefits. General Chairperson wages. GO 49 General Chairperson • • • case to the NRAB First Division Union wins battle in getting Sporting clay shoots cut LIRR services restored planned in Colo., N.J. Members are invited to teams of five can register Long Island Rail Road master General Chairperson compete in a pair of team as a group either in-per- (LIRR) implemented Michael Miele signed the clay shoots this autumn in son or online. planned service cuts the letter addressed to New conjunction with the Union The deadline for morning of Monday, March York Metropolitan Transit Sportsmen’s Alliance advance registration is 8, in spite of objections Agency Chairman and CEO (USA). Sept. 20 for the Colorado made by union leadership Patrick Foye and LIRR The first shoot is sched- event and Oct. 18 for the and echoed by New York President Phillip Eng. uled at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 25 New Jersey event. state senators just before “The MTA’s desire to out- at Colorado Clays, 13600 Family members and the cuts went into effect. source our work, disregard Lanewood St., Brighton, friends of all SMART The result? CO 80603. members can take part in Crowded cars and the our membership’s quality of life and forget about what The second is these team shoots, potential for the early morn- scheduled at the proceeds of we have delivered through- ing commute from places 9:30 a.m. Oct. which go like New Hyde Park or out a global pandemic is 23 at Red toward the Jamaica inexcusable,” the union Wing Sport- Alliance’s Station to leaders stated. “We certainly ing Clays, efforts to become a hope you can get on the 317 Sooys preserve, COVID right track in winning us Landing restore and spreader back for the good of this Road, Port conserve nat- event with This photo, provided by a LIRR great railroad that we have Republic, NJ ural and out- no opportu- worker to Alternate Vice Presi- dent/General Chairperson 08241. door resources in nity for built and have always been Simon Anthony Simon, shows a crowd- proud to serve. Until then, Registration of our country. social dis- ed Long Island Rail Road car we will continue to work your team of five competi- In addition to the com- tancing, as shown by photos early March 8, the day LIRR tors will be available at petition, awards, door implemented service cuts. hard for our customers with provided to SMART-TD https://unionsportsmen.org. prizes and premium draw- Alternate Vice President weekday service to the the understanding that there For both events, in-per- ings will take place at both Anthony Simon by frontline equivalent of what the sys- is a lack of good faith and son registration runs 7:30 events. There also are workers, thousands of tem offers on the weekend, insufficient appreciation to 9 a.m. local time, and sponsorship opportunities whom he represents as gen- more than 3,000 unionized toward our members from the entrance fee includes available. eral chairperson of GCA- workers from SMART, leadership.” lunch, beverages, 10- or Additional information will 505. SMART-TD and six other Coupled with negative 20-gauge shells and clay be placed on the SMART- “These reductions have labor unions submitted a media coverage and the crit- targets. TD website as the shoots now made Long Island Rail message expressing their icism received from the rid- Individual registration for approach. Questions about Road service unsafe as far outrage at the situation to those ages 18 and older is registration and sponsor- as allowing for social dis- LIRR and to New York City ing public regarding the crowded cars, Foye and $175, while registration for ships can be directed to tancing is concerned,” MTA leaders. youths is $125. Chris Piltz of the USA at Eng soon relented and Simon said. In addition to Simon, Individual shooters will 203-767-0745 or chris@ undid the cuts they had In response to LIRR lead- SMART-Mechanical Division be placed in teams of five unionsportsmen.org. ership’s implementation of General Chairperson John made to LIRR service at the when competing or entire the cuts, which reduced McCloskey and TD yard- end of the month. www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org Page 10 March / April 2021 s SMART-TD News

News and information for our retirees and members of the SMART TD Alumni Association

Are you getting close to retirement? You can get the TD News & other benefits for just $9 a year! Call 216-228-9400, email [email protected] or visit www.smart-union.org/td/alumni

Retirees shouldn’t forget to take advantage of wellness checkups From Korea to curator Medicare pays for an impairments or potential Annual Wellness Visit home safety issues that Alumni member (AWV), a free preventive may come up. still chugging service. From all of this, your An Annual Wellness Visit provider will create a written along at 92, runs is a visit to develop or schedule/checklist for the local rail museum update a preventive servic- next five to 10 years for es plan that is personalized future screening visits and At age 92 (he’ll turn 93 in to your needs and to per- preventive services. Your May), Alumni Association form a Health Risk Assess- provider will also give you member James D. Cruce ment (HRA). An AWV personalized referrals based is still keeping busy in year comes in two sizes: your ini- on what the AWV data has 30 of his retirement by run- tial AWV and your follow-up shown them. ning the Twin Cities Rail- AWV. Your initial AWV sets If you have a question road Museum with one the baseline for future visits. about the AWV, please call other person. Your healthcare provider Palmetto GBA’s toll-free The railroad museum will review all of the informa- Beneficiary Contact Center was originally founded in James Cruce dons his conductor uniform and poses in front of one tion you provided to them, at 800-833-4455, from 8:30 South Fulton, Tenn., in of the Twin Cities (South Fulton, Tenn.) Railroad Museum’s displays in this photo courtesy of the museum’s website. along with what they have a.m. until 7 p.m. ET, Mon- 1994, but didn’t actually observed, focusing on your day through Friday. They have a home until Cruce starting point for the muse- on the road, but I took them ability to do general activi- offer a TTY/TDD line for the and nine other retired rail- um. Now the Twin Cities in the yard and switched ties of daily living, your risk hearing impaired at 877- roaders got involved in Railroad Museum houses them. I ran troop trains and of falling, plus any hearing 566-3572. 2008 when the city turned numerous displays and ration trains. Everybody the museum over to them. demonstrations of historical and everything traveled by It started out with those and current area trains rail. There were two battal- JIM CHASED 10 retirees running the from Illinois Central and ions that did it, my battalion museum, but with the pass- Canadian National. The the 724th and the 712th. DOWN A ing of eight of them, the museum also showcases The 712th ran all the way DOLLAR-A-DAY museum is now run by the history of the twin cities to the front and ran hospital Dakotas State Cruce and only one other of Fulton, Ky., and South trains.” Legislative retiree – Jones Gamblin. Fulton, Tenn. After the war, Illinois Cen- Director Jim Chase Both are retired from Local One of Cruce’s personal tral hired a lot of the veter- paid a visit to TD 339 in Jackson, Tenn. stories is displayed in the ans and Cruce hit the Alumni member “I’ve been in charge since museum — he ran trains in ground running when he John Risch, a for- 2008. I run the museum. the U.S. Army during the hired out for them in Jack- mer holder of his po- It’s been closed on account Korean War. son in 1944. He worked as sition, and picked up of this virus. We’ll open up “I was a yardmaster for a brakeman and conductor a Dollar-a-Day dona- again probably in two President Truman,” Cruce for 47 years, retiring in tion for TD PAC. For weeks,” Cruce said this said. He elaborated that he 1991. more info, email spring. didn’t see combat, he just Running the museum TDPAC@smart- Cruce’s collection of rail- ran the trains. “I just ran the union.org. road memorabilia was the railroad yard. I didn’t go out Continued on Page 12

T HE FINAL CALL

Following are the names of deceased members who were active TD members or maintained annual membership in the SMART-TD Alumni Association, according to reports received at the TD office. These brothers and sisters will be missed by their many friends and by fellow Alumni Association members.

Local Name City/State Local Name City/State Local Name City/State 31 Casey, Vernon G. San Jose, Calif. 656 Cooper Jr., John W. Maumelle, Ark. 1205 Hayes, Leslie R. Victoria, Texas 72 Hansen, Gene A. Niles, Mich. 753 Zorzoli, Peter M. Oliver Branch, Miss. 1216 Denney, Darrell W. Basehor, Kan. 113 Radosevich, Frank J. Gallup, N.M. 756 Sosa Jr., Julio S. Corpus Christi, Texas 1263 Wacter III, Walter E. Lake Park, Ga. 168 O’Hare, Dennis J. Oak Lawn, Ill. 781 Bigby Sr., William J. Marshall, Texas 1337 Boudreaux, Gilbert P. Hammond, La. 195 Buckalew, Richard D. Abingdon, Ill. 783 Cole, Ernest L. China Grove, N.C. 1370 Grisaffi, Marco Indio, Calif. 202 Pryor, Olan G. Littleton, Colo. 785 Long, Cleatis R. Grand Rivers, Ky. 1376 Rife, Dennis H. Columbus, Ohio 265 Leffler, Paul C. Littlefield, Ariz. 835 Armstrong, Bryant Bakersfield, Calif. 1402 Mathes, William A. Granite City, Ill. 298 Kenny, Eugene R. Burbank, Ill. 847 Green, Joseph R. Adamsville, Ala. 1405 Kinder, Roger G. O’Fallon, Mo. 320 Cornell, Gary W. Traverse City, Mich. 886 Jensen, Chris M. Wells, Mich. 1440 Poggi, Thomas J. Holmdel, N.J. 320 Noble, John R. Erieau, Ont., Canada 934 Deines, Curtis A. Chadron, Neb. 1470 Roth, Frederick G. Parkville, Md. 322 Leeman, R.J. Kenosha, Wis. 937 Townsend, Wesley L. Marlin, Texas 1518 Strasen, Robert L. O’Fallon, Ill. 330 Adams, Richard O. Cape Girardeau, Mo. 950 Owen, Hugh A. Paragould, Ark. 1525 Gream, Horace J. Mt. Vernon, Ill. 376 Cravens, Robert J. Louisville, Ky. 1003 Walker, Max E. Johnston City, Ill. 1544 Ellis, Taj J. Chino, Calif. 386 Brubaker, Richard B. Ephrata, Pa. 1059 Schan, Joseph R. Minot, N.D. 1545 Johnson, James E. Pineville, La. 496 Caudill, Eric D. Wheelersburg, Ohio 1074 Stein, Robert S. Van Etten, N.Y. 1637 Marquardt, J.L. Vancouver, Wash. 573 Stiglich, Don W. Harrodsburg, Ky. 1075 Smith, Jerry W. Jackson, Ohio 1949 Colflesh, Lawrence H. Havertown, Pa. 645 Zdazenski, Richard T. Middle Village, N.Y. 1190 Huter, John B. Goshen, Ohio 1951 Wagner, Ronald C. Buffalo, N.Y.

www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org March / April 2021 s SMART-TD News Page 11

IN MEMORIAM Retired General Chairperson James A. Williams of GO 875 dies at age 80 Local 1067’s Alvin Wigfall Former General Chair- ager of GO 875 wrote. “Mr. peers and business associates, passes from COVID person James Arthur Williams was a man of always the first one at work and the Local 1067 (Virginia, Minn.) member Williams, who led GO 875 integrity, who cared for his last one to leave,” Ellis said. “He Alvin Wigfall, 64, of Superior, Wis., for 19 years, passed away union brothers and sisters. rarely took time off, if any, and died Friday, April 9 at St. Luke’s Hospi- March 27, 2021, at the age He was a formidable busi- treated his tight-knit staff like family tal in Duluth, Minn. from COVID-19. of 80. nessman and leader.” who especially will miss him After graduating high school, he went He became a member of Magallon said that dearly.” on to earn his bache- our union in May 1966, Brother Williams remained Outside of work, Ellis said that Williams lor’s degree from the before starting his long and connected with the goings- Williams got lots of entertainment University of Wiscon- energetic career as an officer in on of the union all throughout his out of “The Jerry Springer Show,” sin-Superior where he 1973, when he became the vice retirement. loved his morning coffee and then also played basketball. local chairperson for Local 1564 in “He became a second family to a salad for lunch. Shortly thereafter, Los Angeles. some. His guidance on a profes- “He had the heart of a giver and Wigfall hired out with In 1974, he ascended to local sional level and his personality as a dressed to impress,” Ellis said. Canadian National as chairperson and became general boss will be missed,” she said. The SMART Transportation Divi- Wigfall a conductor in June chairperson in 1996 before his John Ellis, current GC of GO sion offers its condolences to 1998, where he would retirement in 2015. 875, recalled Williams as a staunch Brother Williams’ family, friends and spend the next 21 years of his career. “He was not only a boss, but was union man who led by example and especially to our brothers and sis- He went out on disability/E-49 status in also a friend to some. He was a fel- was devoted to the betterment of ters in GO 875, whose fond memo- November 2019, and was unofficially low union man respected for his the union and his members’ lives. ries of his leadership will help carry retired. keen sense of fairness and peace,” “He kept the peace in the office them through this difficult time of “The biggest thing that the rest of us Maria Magallon, operations man- and was very much liked by his loss. conductors thought about Al was that he was this super kind person. All the new hires loved training with him Karen ‘Kay’ Garrity-Barnett, 61, Local 262 Amtrak conductor, passes away because he was really, really funny,” Karen “Kay” Garrity- worked on the Chicago-to- places where they had been Local 1067 President Kevin Holden said. “I mean, I remember being a new Barnett, a loyal member D.C. long-distance routes found. hire and training with Al. He gave me a of Local 262 (Boston, and many others — she “She was very caring for them,” hard time about being a new hire that Mass.) for 24 years and an loved to travel and had no John said. “She’d often take food didn’t know anything, but he did it in a Amtrak conductor, dedicat- plans to retire for another and water to the cats that hid way where it was that I didn’t feel ed her life to serving oth- few years, Barnett said. along the tracks.” made fun of, ya know? It was like we ers outside herself. Karen had a brilliant In fact, her commitment to help- were all kinda in on the joke together. But unfortunately, at age mind, winning scholarships ing animals extended beyond her Garrity-Barnett “He was a really funny guy. He was a 61, a brain aneurysm cut to Wellesley and MIT, John passing — memorial donations really kind person. I mean that’s the short Sister Garrity-Barnett’s self- said. She was an expert in the his- were asked to be made in her biggest thing about Al, he was just so less life in December. tory of Boston and of the country, name to the Massachusetts Socie- kind-hearted. He was a kind, gentle, “She was taken too suddenly and ultimately chose not to pursue ty for the Prevention of Cruelty to good-hearted person. He was loved by from us,” said John Barnett, study in physics for her career Animals or to a donor’s local ani- everyone he worked with.” Karen’s husband of 20 years. “The serving others as a conductor. mal shelter. Married to Melissa Brown since July outpouring of love from everyone “She loved going to work and “Kay, you were truly one of the 29, 2005, they had six children togeth- was incredible. We never expect- was very proud of her job,” he kindest women I’ve ever worked er. He loved spending time with his ed the turnout, and it was a fantas- said, recalling that Karen often with on the railroad,” fellow Local wife, kids and grandkids. tic testament to her unique person- would go above and beyond to 262 member and Amtrak conduc- Wigfall is survived by his wife; sons ality and character.” reunite her passengers with items tor Whitney Joyce wrote on Garri- Kevin (Ruby) Wehmeyer, Alvin Wigfall John and Karen met while travel- that may have been lost along ty-Barnett’s Facebook page after Jr. and Amare Wigfall; daughters Jor- ing on a train from Boston’s South their journeys on Amtrak. hearing of her death. “You always dan (Alan) Grimsrud and Jaelyn Wig- Station to Providence, R.I., in She also learned American Sign had the kindest things to say to me fall; four grandchildren Zachary Brown 1995. After their courtship, they Language to communicate better and you always left me wondering Jr., Amarra Grimsrud, Nathan and Jax- were married in 2000 and spent with deaf passengers. if you really even knew me! … on Wehmeyer; five brothers; two sis- two decades together as husband And one of her greatest callings May God bless your soul and you.” ters and many other relatives. and wife. was to help the furry felines that The SMART Transportation Divi- He was preceded in death by his A mutual passion that both she found during her travels, tend- sion offers its condolences to John Karen and John enjoyed was boat- ing to the feral ones and even tak- son, Zachary Brown, and by his par- Barnett, Sister Garrity-Barnett’s ents. ing, and while traveling place to ing in a few — John and Karen Local 262 brothers and sisters and place was part of her job — she’d ended up naming them after the Condolences may be left by visiting to all who knew her. www.lenroot-maetzold.com/obituary/ alvin-wigfall. Brad Sowers, 67, Local 1892 Jeff Fontanez, 27-year Bryant Armstrong SMART-TD extends our deepest sympathies to Brother Wigfall’s family, member, worked 43 years member, passes away passes away friends, Local 1067 and all who knew Brad Sowers, who died March 2, 2021, Brother Jeff Fontanez, a Bryant D. Armstrong, him. at age 67, was a longtime member of 46, of Local 835 (Bakers- member of Local 1892 Local 1565 field, Calif.), a trainman/ (Houston, Texas) and who worked as brake- Laureen Young Jr., 59, worked as a switchman at a rail operator man for passes away from COVID UP’s Englewood Yard in for the LACM- Union Laureen Young Jr., 59, a 34-year Houston up until his retire- TA, died after Pacific member out of Local ment in 2013. a sudden car- and a 1565 who worked as a He worked 43 years at diac event that member train operator for the Southern and Union Pacif- Sowers occurred in Fontanez of our LACMTA, passed ic railroads. In retirement, November. union for Armstrong away Dec. 27, 2020, he took great pride in being a maintenance “He was a dedicated union four from complications man for his church. brother, a family man and the years, passed away Feb. associated with “He was a great switchman and an even nicest person you would ever 17, 2021, from COVID- COVID-19. better person, as most of us currently meet!” Local Chairperson John 19. Brother Young working today trained as new hires with C. Cabanas Jr. said. He is survived by two Young served as secretary of him on his job,” Local 1892 Secretary/Trea- He is survived by his wife children. LCA-875B for two years. surer Robert Maldonado said. “We have and five children. lost a good one!!!” www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org Page 12 March / April 2021 s SMART-TD News Featured photo showcase Local helps brothers in fights against cancer Local 792 (Cleveland, Ohio) pulled together recently to assist a pair of co-workers in their fight against the same ill- ness. Member Steve Kromer, a Norfolk Southern conductor and Tim Price of BLET Divi- sion 607 both are bat- tling esophageal cancer, S&T and Local Chairper- son Nick Dorsey report- ed. Have a camera? Get your photo featured in the TD News LCA-687 Secretary Alan Thompson held SMART Transportation be mailed to SMART-TD, please include your name and In the early morning hours in two charity events on his Division is always looking 24950 Country Club Blvd., SMART local number, the Los Angeles, Local 1565 comic book website to for good photos and your pic- Suite 340, North Olmsted, names of the persons in the (West Hollywood, Calif.) bus raise over $2,400 while ture can be featured on this OH 44070-5333. photo (left to right), where operator and Division 15 line BLET Local Chairman page. High-resolution digital the photo was taken and oth- instructor Fabrisio Contreras Pat Redmond also SMART-TD seeks photo- photographs should be in er pertinent information. took this photo of the dawn helped in the fundraising graphs or digital images of JPEG format and emailed to All photographs submitted breaking over the division’s work-related scenes, such as [email protected]. become property of SMART effort. bus fleet. Contreras had the railroad, bus or mass transit We prefer horizontal photos. and can be used in future “Along with the gra- help of Quintin Wormley and operations, new equipment Be sure that your camera is projects. cious donations of our John Ellis in submitting the photos, scenic shots, activi- set to the large resolution set- co-workers, a total of Remember to review your photo. ties of your local or photos of ting when taking the photo or employer’s policies regard- $7,800.00 was raised for your brothers and sisters it might not reproduce well in ing use of cameras on the these two men,” Dorsey keeping America rolling. print. property or during work said. “Please keep them Printed photographs should With each photograph, hours. in your prayers.” Retiree James Cruce went from Korea to a curator Suspension of VSTD Continued from Page 10 HOW TO HELP isn’t easy for Cruce, his wife had a The Twin Cities Railroad Museum elimination period stroke a while back, and he now has to is a non-profit that relies on volun- have someone come and sit with her teers and donations. The museum extended to June and take care of her needs while he’s at accepts donations of old railroad the museum. Even with this complica- paraphernalia, trains, train clothing At the outset of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the tion, Cruce says he still tries to get into and other related items. To donate, SMART Voluntary Short Term Disability Plan temporarily suspend- the museum a couple of days a week or email [email protected]. Mone- ed the elimination period for COVID-19 disabilities. when someone calls for a tour. tary donations are accepted, and In an announcement dated April 15, 2020, the elimination period Long before the museum came into checks can be made out to “Twin was waived for any COVID-19 (coronavirus) disabilities beginning being, Cruce along with CN’s Paul Rose Cities Railroad Museum” and sent to in the months of March, April and May 2020. Further announce- and others, built the “Little Obie” safety the museum at 700 Milton Counce ments advised that the Plan would extend the waiver through Feb- train in 1986. They would ride the train, Dr., South Fulton, TN 38257. To find ruary 2021. which includes a locomotive, flat car out more, visit www.tcrailroad The waiver of the elimination period has been extended again and a caboose, around town and give museum.org or visit the TD website through June 30, 2021, in a decision made by the VSTD Board of rides to the local children and teach and check out Page 8 of the June Trustees comprised of SMART General President Joseph Sellers them about railroad safety and the 2008 issue of our publication. Jr., General Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Powell and TD Presi- importance of staying off the tracks. dent Jeremy Ferguson. “We ran about 6,000 kids on the safe- teach kids about railroad safety and Lit- Members who participate in the VSTD must usually be disabled ty train,” Cruce said. tle Obie comes to visit as much as pos- for 21 days before benefits will begin on the 22nd day, a period of They eventually sold it to CN and the sible. time known as the elimination period. carrier built two more safety trains. CN “I think when I pass on, they’re going Effective with all diagnosed COVID-19 (coronavirus) disabilities police now conduct tours with the trains to bring a little safety train in front of the beginning in the months of March 2020, through June 2021, the all over the U.S. and Canada and teach funeral home and have it lead the funer- elimination period will be waived. This change will expedite and children and families about railroad al procession,” Cruce said. increase benefits for approved applicants so they will have immedi- safety. See https://littleobie.ca. Though Thank you, Brother Cruce, for your ate access to money. The period will be reinstated for COVID-19 Little Obie is no longer run by the muse- service in the Korean War and to the (coronavirus) disabilities beginning on and after July 1, 2021. um, Cruce still puts on a program to community. We are pleased that the Plan can take this action on your behalf. www.smart-union.org/td • www.utuia.org