SMART TD UNION, Virginia

01/06/2026

Important DOT Drug Testing Notice Affects Members
January 6, 2026

Home>News>Transportation>Regulations>Important DOT Drug Testing Notice Affects Members

In an Executive Order dated December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump instructed the Department of Justice to complete the rulemaking process rescheduling ma*****na from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as quickly as possible.

This change does NOT apply to transportation personnel.

Federal Testing Requirements Will NOT Change

What does this mean for our members?

First and most importantly: federal testing requirements and regulations will NOT change!

Ma*****na remains a banned substance and Schedule I drug for safety-sensitive transportation employees, including bus operators, train conductors and engineers, armed transit security personnel and others.

Employees subject to the DOT’s drug testing regulations should not assume that they can now use ma*****na or other THC products because of this Executive Order. Guidance on medical and recreational ma*****na and CBD remains unchanged.

SMART-TD urges all our members to help spread the word and keep our country’s transportation network as safe as possible

12/22/2025

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOT/bulletins/400bf94

DOT’s Notice on Testing for Ma*****na U.S. Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 12/19/2025 02:51 PM EST Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. DOT OFFICE OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY AND COMPLIANCE NOTICE On December 18, 2025, the President of the United States issue...

11/04/2025

Hi, Ronnie, this is Ronnie Hobbs, SMART Transportation Division's Virginia Safety & Legislative Director. If you have not yet cast your ballot, there is still time to make your choice heard. Polling locations are open to 7:00 tonight. You can find your polling location here
https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/polling-place-lookup/

The Virginia State Board strongly recommends 𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿. Abigail has been WITH US from the start, & we can count on her being WITH US as Governor. She has a proven record of supporting rail safety, including voting for two-person crew in the U.S. House & cosponsoring our legislation.
Stop to opt out.
Questions? Text or call me at 757-717-3714

Search for your polling place in Virginia, and find out what's on the ballot for the next upcoming election.

11/03/2025

https://t.congressweb.com/w/?YGYBYUWTHM

As the government shutdown enters its second month with no signs of reopening anytime soon, the gridlock is starting to threaten the safety of our members and the accountability of the railroads who employ them.

09/29/2025

https://www.smart-union.org/update-on-national-rail-contract-make-sure-you-get-your-ballot/

09/26/2025

Early Voting is Now On-Going!

SMART-TD is shifting away from candidate recommendation and instead providing members information on who is WITH US or AGAINST US (by looking at voting records and bill sponsorships). SMART-TD only looks at candidates' positions on Labor and Transportation issues, nothing else.

In the three statewide races in Virginia: Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General, the voting and sponsorship records show the following.

Governor

Abigail Spanberger: As a Member of Congress, Spanberger cosponsored Two-Person Crew (HR 1748), the REEF Act (HR 2900) and the Transit Worker and Pedestrian Protection Act (HR 1139).

Winsome Earl-Sears: Did not respond or meet with Virginia/DC Safety Director on Train Crew legislation.

Lieutenant Governor

Ghazala Hashmi: As a State Senator, Hashmi voted YES on state Two-Person Crew Legislation (SB 143 in 2024).

John Reid: Did not respond or meet with Virginia/DC Safety Director on Train Crew legislation.

Attorney General

Jay Jones: As a State Delegate, Jones voted YES on state Two-Person Crew legislation (HB 1789 in 2019).

Jason Miyares: Did not respond or meet with Virginia/DC Safety Director on Train Crew legislation.

***
Choosing a candidate is a personal decision, based on many factors. So no matter whether you plan to Vote on Election Day, Early-in-Person or By Mail, choose to vote.

In Solidarity
Ronnie Hobbs
Virginia/DC Safety and Legislative Director
SMART Transportation Division

09/22/2025

Transportation News & Resources

SMART-TD and Union Pacific announce landmark agreement securing jobs and the future of railroading
SMART-TD and Union Pacific announced a historic agreement ensuring job security for thousands of railroad workers as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern pursue a proposed merger.

This groundbreaking agreement guarantees that SMART-TD members working in train and yardmaster service will have job protection for the length of their careers following the transaction, subject to the usual requirements for continued employment. Union Pacific has committed that these employees will not face involuntary furloughs as a result of the merger. This is an unprecedented guarantee in the history of American railroading.

Overtime relief for railroaders introduced in Congress
When the Big Beautiful Bill was passed in July, workers governed by the Railroad Labor Act were not included in a tax break on overtime pay. On September 19, 2025, a SMART-TD-backed bill was introduced in Congress to include us in the tax exemption.

SMART-TD reaches Tentative National Agreement with carriers
A Tentative National Agreement (TA) has been reached between SMART-TD and rail carriers represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee. Click here to read details about the TA and learn about the next steps in the process.
Shifting views on pattern agreement
A recent survey of members at BNSF, Norfolk Southern, and Canadian National found that only 31% opposed the “pattern agreement” already ratified by other rail labor unions. Read on to see how the results reflect a shift in attitude among SMART-TD railroaders, with growing interest in reconsidering this framework during the 2025 National Agreement negotiations.

Congressman resurrects attempt to nullify federal two-person crew rule
It’s a case of déjà vu as a Missouri Congressman tries once again to rescind the 2024 federal two-person crew (2-PC) rule, jeopardizing the safety of railroaders while appeasing the carriers and special interests.

SMART-TD yardmasters reach tentative agreement
A tentative agreement has been presented to SMART-TD's yardmasters for a ratification vote. The agreement, negotiated in partnership with the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) includes wage increases, but more importantly, improved sick leave, guaranteed rest days and accelerated vacation day accrual.

09/22/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ChXhPBChy/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A groundbreaking agreement guarantees that SMART-TD members working in train and yardmaster service will have job protection for the length of their careers, following the proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern and subject to the usual requirements for continued employment. This is an unprecedented guarantee in the history of American railroading. Read on for details. https://www.smart-union.org/smart-td-and-union-pacific-announce-landmark-agreement-securing-jobs-and-the-future-of-railroading/