Progress Through Unity

Important Members Only Video Message for All SMART Members

June 20, 2020 By

VP JOE BIDEN DIRECTLY ADDRESSES SMART MEMBERS

 

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SMART leadership has always been highly engaged in the political process. Our focus has been to advocate on behalf of issues and candidates that actively support members and working family issues.

FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO YOUR FELLOW SMART MEMBERS

Since the 2016 election cycle, General President Joe Sellers has focused the Union’s efforts to listen to and address feedback from members on local, state and federal issues that affect them at work.  This means being transparent and clear with members when asked to support the candidates who most closely align with our issues.

During the past four years, SMART leadership has met with nearly all the presidential candidates and had meaningful dialog regarding our issues. Many of them, we have found, support the issues of importance to the membership of this Union.

One of these candidates is Vice President Joe Biden. SMART met with Vice President Biden’s team several times, all of them being very productive conversations. Vice President Biden, with a long history of interaction with members in both the sheet metal and transportation industries, is acutely aware and engaged in our issues. His team took what they learned from our conversations and created this video to allow the VP to speak directly to you about the issues you have raised concerns about and his position on them.

Filed Under: Industry Related, Local 60 News

Payroll information

June 20, 2020 By

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Filed Under: Local 60 News

Leadership statement on George Floyd, protests

June 4, 2020 By


Leadership statement on George Floyd, protests

 
Dear Sisters and Brothers,


Protests in both the United States and Canada have been used to focus upon racial justice in our communities. SMART stands united with those who are committed to peacefully work towards a racially just society that provides the freedom of opportunity to all.  

 
Many of our fellow citizens are hurting. We cannot be silent in the quest to achieve much-needed social change. We equally stand against those who uphold racism, bigotry and violence. Make no mistake, fighting racism is a labor issue. Bigotry and racism have been used to prevent working people from securing a voice in the workplace for the course of our existence. It is used to divide and conquer by pitting workers against each other. This cannot continue and we must focus on real change and for reforms that address issues of racial and economic inequality.
 
Over the course of this pandemic, there has been a shift toward caring and empathy. Together, we protect each other. We want you to know that you are my sisters and brothers, that you are my community, that you matter to me! We were moved by our brother, Pastor Paul, “The only reason to look down on someone is to give them a hand up.”
 
Through our strategic plan we continue our enhanced commitment for systematic change for women and people of color within the industries we represent through our actions and dedicated resources across the United States, Canada and our Labor Movement. We will continue this path and focus to bring about real change. We encourage all members, our industry partners and our communities to join in these efforts.  
 
One life lost is one life too many. Our deepest sympathies and heartbreak lie with the family of George Floyd as well as the many others whose lives were tragically cut short before him. We urge all to remember them through a peaceful struggle towards racial equality for all and we condemn those engaging in violence, the destruction of property and the loss of jobs.  
 
Early this week, the headquarters of the AFL-CIO was damaged during clashes in Washington, D.C. As AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka noted, “We will clean up the glass, sweep away the ashes and keep doing our part to bring a better day out of this hour of darkness and despair.”
 
“Our work and dedication to the prosperity and freedom for all working families will continue.”

Fraternally,

Filed Under: Industry Related, Local 60 News

THE INVEST IN AMERICA ACT

June 4, 2020 By
SMART TD logo
June 3, 2020

All Members — SMART Transportation Division

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Today, House Democrats released the text of a $500 billion five-year funding authorization bill that defines their vision for the future of transportation in America, as well as outlines their plans to refresh and renew the infrastructure of the nation’s surface transportation network.

The Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act is the result of countless hours of work by this Union on the Hill and in the halls of Congress. The INVEST in America Act reauthorizes funding set to expire Sept. 30, but more so, sets standards for safety, training, and transportation reform that have long been sought by the members of SMART Transportation Division including:

  • Two-Person Crews;
  • Operator Assault;
  • Yardmaster Hours of Service
  • a “Cross Border” fix.

Additionally, Amtrak would see its funding triple to $29 billion over the five-year period of the bill, allowing for expansion of national, state and regional routes and facility modernization. Funding for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program also would be increased to $7 billion to fund passenger and freight rail projects. Provisions for/or against the transportation of liquid natural gas (LNG) via rail tank cars, blocked railroad crossings, and excessive freight train length, among others, also have been included.

Our National Legislative Office has been hard at work in Washington, D.C., to convey our issues to both sides of the aisle in the U.S. House and Senate, and the provisions within this bill are the fruits of that labor.

Undoubtedly, House Democrats have heard our cries and have answered the call. By including our issues within the context of this bill, they have let America know that the only safe operation of a Class I freight train is with a two-person crew; that our bus drivers and operators have the right to a safe work environment; and that the public should be shielded from the risks that rail carriers will take in the name of greed.

But make no mistake, this bill still has a long road to travel and a lot of heavy-handed opposition standing before it in the Republican-controlled Senate. We will need all hands on deck to protect the provisions we have all fought so hard for to survive that journey.

I am asking you to please watch this bill as it moves through the legislative process and see who and what hurdles it faces. I’m asking you to please pay attention to the party affiliations of the individuals as the yeas and nays are registered when the bill is voted upon. And I am asking you to listen to the rhetoric and testimony that will affect its final appearance. Once the dust has settled, I will call on you to please support those who support you and your family’s well-being, and I firmly believe that picture will be crystal clear.

There are only two parties at the table. The Democrats wrote it into the bill, only the Republicans will take it out.

Fraternally yours,

Jeremy R. Ferguson

President – Transportation Division


ABOUT THE INVEST IN AMERICA ACT

Filed Under: Industry Related, Local 60 News

Absentee Ballot Deadline is approaching

May 28, 2020 By
 
 
Dear Local 60 Member,
 
I hope that you and your family are safe and doing well during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are challenging times for members, yet safety must remain first and foremost. I also want to take this time to thank our New Jersey rail, transit and bus members for your service continuing to move essential passengers and freight. We are the people that keep New Jersey and America moving.

Elections are important to us also. Due to COVID-19, voting by mail in the July 7th primary is the safest (and best) way to vote; and there is still time to request an absentee ballot. Applications must be printed and mailed to your county election official. Check the ‘ALL FUTURE ELECTIONS’ box, and automatically have a ballot sent to your home for every future election.
 

Voting is a personal decision, so no matter which candidate you support or which party you choose; choose to vote in New Jersey’s July 7th primary. And finally, let’s be safe out there, whether at home, running essential errands or on the job!

In Solidarity,
Ron Sabol
New Jersey State Legislative Director
SMART Transportation Division
Filed Under: Industry Related, Local 60 News

Open Enrollment Benefit Presentation

May 21, 2020 By

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Filed Under: Local 60 News

COVID-19 Rule 35/Bereavement Information

May 19, 2020 By

Question posed to Labor Relations on rule 35;

We are looking for guidance on how members will be compensated for bereavement. Obviously the contractual agreement cannot be upheld, because of this COVID-19 virus. Will or are there any guidelines established for compensation pertaining to the death of family members? 

Answer from Labor relations;

*Rule 35 already contains flexibility so that if there is a delay in holding funeral services (within reason−such as certain current NJ restrictions), an actively working employee may defer taking up to 3 consecutive calendar days surrounding the funeral until the later time.  Usual and customary documentation to support the qualifying family relationship, time / date of funeral service must be supplied. 

*Employees where were / are in inactive status (unpaid, paid Covid 100%, vacation, etc.) can likewise defer the 3 consecutive calendar days as in the above. (Since Rule 35 covers a basic day’s pay for a lost work day due to the bereavement period, the Covid pay is in lieu of bereavement pay – it would be in conflict to pay two entitlements on the same day.)

Please save all supporting documents and contact your local chairperson on steps needed to get compensation.

Filed Under: Local 60 News

2020 Rail Boot/Shoe Program

May 19, 2020 By

To all Rail Employees,

Although there are many safety concerns these days; slips, trips and falls still remain a top concern. Having the proper safety shoes or boots can go a long way to prevent these injuries.

We just want to remind you all that for those who may be in need of new safety shoes or boots our vendor Saf-Gard is still open and available to purchase boots by phone or in-store.

Attached are instructions on how to order by phone as well as the 2020 list of shoes and boots that are currently available* to all Rail employees at discounted prices with one yearly $60.00 subsidy.

*Note: Please remember if you have already purchased a boot or shoe this year you will NOT be eligible for another $60.00 however all employees eligible for this program may purchase an unlimited amount of boots or shoes at the discounted prices offered through the program.

Please feel free to reply or call me if you have any questions or concerns in regards to this program.

Unfortunately due to safety concerns in regards to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the remaining Saf-Gard shoe truck stops will be postpone until further notice.

Eligible employees who are in need of purchasing new shoes/boots may still do so by calling the local branch, providing your employee ID and have them delivered to your home address.

Best regards,

Bill Feeney

Safety Programs Administrator

Office of System Safety

Work: 973.491.8945

Cell: 862.279.4727

Efax: 973.609.1978

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Filed Under: Local 60 News

HEROES Relief Bill

May 18, 2020 By
 
 
On, Friday May 15th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act) by a vote of 208-199. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate, where unfortunately Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell says that Congress needs to take a ‘pause’ on additional legislation to address the impacts of COVID-19.
 
“Transportation workers and their families can’t afford a pause. We can’t let perfect be the enemy of the good, and the HEROES Act is a good bill that provides immediate and additional relief to transportation workers and the industry that has been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic” National Legislative Director Greg Hynes said. “This needed legislation includes a number of hard-fought provisions that will provide financial stability to thousands and thousands of members directly and indirectly impacted by COVID-19. There must be a vote in the U.S. Senate.”
 
HEROES Relief Bill Includes:
  • hazard pay of an additional $13/hour for all essential workers (rail and bus members included) retroactive to January 27. This is capped at $10,000 per member.
  • an additional $15.75 billion in transit assistance and requires funds to first be directed to payroll and service.
  • prohibiting employers from cutting pay or benefits from essential employees, retroactive to January 27 and good for 60 days after the national emergency ends.
  • enhanced railroad unemployment benefit of $1,200 per two-week period would be extended to the end of the year (beyond the current CARES Act)
  • the Railroad Retirement Board $4.5 million in additional grant funds to administer the railroad retirement benefits to decrease current caseloads.
  • additional relief checks up to $1,200 per person, $500 per child.

Here is where I need your help. This needed legislation is on ‘pause’ by Senator Mitch McConnell. And while the Senate leader has immense power as to which bills make it to the Senate calendar — if enough Senators demand a vote, a vote will occur. But this only happen if Senators hear from their constituents.

So please click here, and send your two Senators an email asking that a vote take place on the HEROES Act. We have provided you with a pre-drafted message for your convenience. And finally, while the country begins to reopen to business, please take every precaution and stay safe.
 
Fraternally,
Greg Hynes
National Legislative Director
SMART Transportation Division
Filed Under: Industry Related, Local 60 News

Open Enrollment Benefit Sessions – RAIL Agreement Employees

May 16, 2020 By

RAIL Agreement employees can enroll by email to Benefits@NJTRANSIT.com with the choice of session and including “Open Enrollment Benefit Sessions – RAIL Agreement Employees” in the subject line.

Filed Under: Local 60 News
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