SMART TD certified to represent Central Maine & Quebec's train, engine workers

The National Mediation Board (NMB) has certified the SMART Transportation Division (TD) as the official union of train and engine service employees of the Central Maine & Quebec Railway (CMQR), union officials announced yesterday.

In August, SMART TD asked the board to investigate and determine who may represent the short line's train and engine service employees. Previously, the employees were unrepresented by a union.

NMB Investigator Cristina Bonaca held an election in which 10 of the 11 eligible employees voted for SMART TD representation. One employee opted not to vote. Due to those results, Bonaca certified that SMART is the designated labor union and is authorized to represent CMQR train and engine service employees, SMART officials said in a press release.

"We are looking forward to working with our brothers and sister on CMQR to help improve working conditions and their quality of life on the railroad," said SMART TD Director of Organizing Rich Ross.