Smart Local 1162

The constant drive to climb the ladder (and to avoid being fired) felt by railroad managers almost always translates into scare tactics that keep workers silent and the big bosses oblivious to reality. The FRA had a solution. Read on to learn why it was scrapped, and how things are probably going to get much worse before they get any better. https://www.smart-union.org/the-safety-program-that-works-and-why-railroads-wont-use-it/

The Truth from Within: Statement released by the General Chairpersons of SMART-TD on CSX properties on the tenure and departure of Joe Hinrichs as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). https://www.smart-union.org/general-chairpersons-from-csx-statement-on-departure-of-ceo-joe-hinrichs/

Like the Helene 2024 pic for us to win!

🚨🚨 TDEC Public Comments Open 🚨🚨

There was a public hearing in Erwin on March 18th at the Town Hall for TDEC to get feedback from the public on the CSX project.
TDEC is taking written Public Comments until March 28th, 2025. Comments can be emailed to [email protected], You must cite the permit number - NRS24.232 and you must cite CSX Transportation in your comments.

Please tell them how positive the rebuild is for our community and you aprove the rebuild. We want CSX and Contractors to keep up the good work!

[email protected]

SMART-TD addresses the closure of seven Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Regional Offices, as announced by the Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE). https://www.smart-union.org/doge-to-close-seven-rrb-regional-offices/

Part 16: Rebuilding the Clinchfield Railroad Series ~ 1 MILE TO GO Rebuilding the Historic Clinchfield Railroad ~ Part 16To buy me a gallon of gas, the below link is a safe and secure way to do so. Any amount can be entered....

Part 15: Rebuilding the Clinchfield Railroad Series ~ UPDATES! I recorded an old diesel train ride from an open rail car with a microphone attached to each side of the train. The stereo sound might be the best ambient tr...

Shaun Erik Nielsen, age 62, of Erwin, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025. A native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Shaun is the son of Sandra Kay (Chapman) Nielsen and the late Erik Ray Nielsen. He was a Locomotive Engineer at CSX Railroad Transportation for 30 years. He was a past member of the Mason’s Lodge and a member of the Danish Brotherhood. Shaun loved hunting, fishing and enjoyed doing anything outdoors. His favorite pastime was hanging out with his “best friend”, his grandson, Finn. Shaun was a star football player and baseball player, as well as an amazing welder. His favorite phrase was “Dumber than dammit”. Shaun is preceded in death by his father, Erik Ray Nielsen; his wife of 42 years, Alisa Anne (Sanders) Nielsen; and two sons: little Shaun Erik Nielsen and Tyler Ray Nielsen.

Shaun Erik Nielsen has left behind to cherish his memory: his mother, Sandra Nielsen; daughter, Nicole Anne Nielsen Morefield (Brad); grandson and best friend, Finn Morefield; brother, Ryan Nielsen (Vikki); and several nieces and nephews who lovingly knew him as “Daddy Shaun”.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Shaun Erik Nielsen in a memorial service to be held at 8:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 2025, in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Reverend Charles David Byrd will officiate. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 6:00 pm and continue until service time on Friday at Valley Funeral Home.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Shaun Erik Nielsen through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Ave., Erwin, TN. 37650. (423)743-9187.

SMART-TD is raising concerns over CSX's petition to use a new Trip Optimizer Air Brake Control system, which will control freight train operations from start to stop. While CSX claims the system will reduce fuel consumption and emissions, SMART-TD believes these claims are little more than a smokescreen for CSX’s true intentions. Read on to find out what they really want and what we can do to stop them. https://www.smart-union.org/csx-threatens-engineers-jobs-with-new-zero-zero-autopilot-technology/