Smart Transportation Local 807

Thank you to Brothers Matt and Danny for helping the educate the community on railroad safety. Awesome job I both of you guys.

Over the last 5 years, our local has seen:

• Over $500,000 in claims paid to members
• Hundreds of thousands of dollars recovered in back pay for wrongfully terminated trainmen
• More than 150 investigations defended
• With only 3 arbitration losses at arbitration during that time

Those results did not happen by accident.

At our last union meeting, a motion was brought forward to increase monthly dues by $17 per month.
This proposal will be voted on by the membership at the June 9th union meeting.
The proposed increase is for one sole purpose: to provide a pay increase for Local Chairman Cody Kirkpatrick so that he is more fairly compensated for the work he performs on behalf of this membership.

Our current monthly dues are $203.57, divided between several different levels of the organization:
• International: $40.50
• General Committee: $70.86
• Legislative Division: $27.00
• LCA: $56.80
• Local: $8.41
The only money that stays here locally to operate our union comes from the LCA and Local portions. Those funds cover everything we do at the local level.
Since becoming a Local Chairman in 2020, Brother Cody Kirkpatrick has dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and effort to representing our members.
Cody works full-time as a Local Chairman, averaging roughly 50 hours a week in the office, along with another 20–30 hours a week spent handling calls and union matters during what would otherwise be personal time.
Despite the workload and responsibility, his compensation currently falls below what many trainmen working the extra board are earning.
Being a union officer has never been about getting rich for Cody. For him, it has always been a labor of love and a true belief in the power and brotherhood of unions.
It is also important to say this clearly: regardless of how this vote turns out, Cody will continue providing the same representation, dedication, and support that he always has.
This proposal is not about threats or ultimatums — it is simply about whether the membership believes that level of commitment deserves more fair compensation.

For perspective, the proposed increase equals roughly:
• 3 beers at a local bar
• 5 energy drinks
• Or one fast food meal per month

We encourage everyone to attend the June 9th meeting, ask questions, and make your voice heard.

Brothers and Sisters
We are pleased to inform you we have received a number of violations back from the FRA for various violations in Arizona turned in by the members.

We have to thank everyone who takes the time to turn a violation into the union.

Below is just one example of the violations being found by the FRA because of your diligence and reporting

Christopher Cheely
SMART-TD
Arizona State legislative Board